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P L D 2011 Federal Shariat Court 1


Before Agha Rafiq Ahmed Khan, C.J., Syed Afzal Haider and Shahzado Shaikh, JJ
Mian ABDUR RAZZAQ AAMIR and others---Petitioners
Versus
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN and others---Respondents
Shariat Petitions Nos.1/I, 3/I of 2007 and 1/I of 2010.decided on 22nd December, 2010.
(a) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Nature---Exclusive jurisdiction conferred by
constitutional provisions can neither be curtailed nor regulated by subordinate legislation.
(b) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---"Hudood"---Meaning and scope--Determination of meaning and scope of the term "Hudood" as well as the exercise to identify the categories
of offences and civil matters regarding the life of Muslims which fall in the ambit of "Hudood" is the sole
preserve of Federal Shariat Court.
(c) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Sharait Court---Scope---All the matters connected with or the steps
leading up to the commission of offences covered by "Hudood" ipso facto fall within the jurisdiction of the
Federal Shariat Court.
(d) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Nature and Scope---Federal Shariat Court, as
mandated by Art.203-D of the Constitution, is the only forum to examine any law or provision of law or
any custom or usage having the force of law on the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam.
(e) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court to adjudicate upon bail matters in cases covered by
"Hudood"-Scope---Adjudication upon bail matters in cases covered by "Hudood" is certainly ancillary to
the trial, appellate and revisional jurisdiction and hence cognizable by Federal Shariat Court.
(f) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Re visional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Analysis of Art.203-DD of
the Constitution---Exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court, mandated by the Constitution, revolves
around the term "the enforcement of Hudood".

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An analysis of Article 203-DD indicates that:


(i)

the Federal Shariat Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to call for and examine the record of;

(ii)

any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood;

(iii)

for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of any finding,
sentence or order recorded or passed ' by and as to the regularity of any proceedings of such
Court;

(iv)

the order under examination by the Federal Shariat Court or challenged before it may be in the
nature of grant or refusal of bail by the trial Court;

(v)

and the Court may for that purpose call for the record of the case;

(vi)

while so doing the Court may suspend execution of the sentence;

(vii)

direct release on bail or on his own bond if the accused is in confinement pending examination of
record; and further;

(viii)

the Federal Shariat Court may, as a result of examination of record pass such order as it may
deem fit;

(ix)

and may even enhance the sentence subject of course, to notice.

It is, therefore, clear that the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court, mandated by the
Constitution, revolves around the term "the enforcement of Hudood."
(g) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD--- "Hudood "---Connotatin and significance.
Ayah 187 Surah 2 (al-Baqrah) Holy Quran; Ayah 229 Surah 2 (al-Baqrah) Holy Quran; Ayah 230 Surah 2
(al-Baqrah) Holy Quran; Ayaat 1 through 12, 13 and 14 Surah 4 (An Nisa) of Holy Quran; Ayat 97 Surah 9
(Al Taubah) of Holy Quran; Ayah 112 Surah 9 (At-Taubah) of Holy Quran; Ayah 4 Surah 58 (Al-Mujadalah)
of Holy Quran; Ayah 1 Surah 65 (Al-Talaq) of Holy Quran; Ayah 103 Surah 10, Younas of Holy Quran; Ayah
47 Surah 30, Ar-Rum of Holy Quran; Ayah 182, Surah, Al-Aaraf; Ayah 42 Surah 8, Al-Infaal of Holy Quran;
Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood, Vol. VIII, Hadith No.769; Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood, Vol. VIII,
Hadith Nos.779, 812, 831, 832, 833, 1744, 1745, 1746; Traditions No.969 and 970 Sunan Abu Daud;
Tradition No.1976 Vol. 3, Sunan Abu Daud; Sahih Muslim Jild II, Hadith No.1600; Hadith No.269 in Kitab
Salat ul Musafareen; Ayat 112, Sura 3, Ale-Imran of Holy Quran; Ayat 15 Surah 6, Al-Anam; Ayat 32 Surah
17, Bani Israeel and Ayah 43, Surah 4, An Nisa ref.
(h) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Words "relating to the enforcement of Hudood" as used in Art.203-DD of the
Constitution---Meaning and connotation.

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The words used in Article 203-DD of the Constitution are: "relating to the enforcement of Hudood." Like the
words "in respect of" or "with reference to" employed in some statutes, these words have a wider meaning
and connotation. The words "relating to" includes all those matters which pertain to the realm of preparation,
intention, attempt and all conceivable steps taken towards the commission of an offence. Such steps and
actions on fulfilment, have the potential of being covered by the penalty of Hudood if the requisite evidence,
prescribed for proof of Hadd, is made available. Short of that proof the action complained of becomes
punishable as tazir for an offence which is of the specie of Hadd. Tazir punishment- is in lieu of Hadd and is
not the consequence of a separate category of offence.
(i) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---Term "enforcement of Hadd" occurring in
Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Scope---Zina---Rape---Whether it is a case of consensual extra-marital
sexual activity, or incestuous adultery or any related pursuit ancillary and akin to or leading upon extramarital sexual activity, the investigation, enquiry or trial of such a matter is covered within the scope o f the
term "enforcement of Hadd" and hence in the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Principles.
(j) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---Jurisdiction or power conferred by
constitutional apparatus can be taken away only through an express constitutional amendment and nothing
short of that---Ordinary statute cannot take away powers of a superior court conferred by Constitution---Such
a statute is ex facie discriminatory---Principles.
A legal instrument which bars a court from taking cognizance of offences or hearing appeals and revisions
not only affects the jurisdiction of the court but seriously jeopardizes the fundamental right of an aggrieved
person to have access and recourse to speedy justice. Jurisdiction conferred by a constitutional provision
cannot be erased by ordinary piece of legislation. It is an accepted principle of law that jurisdiction of
superior court cannot be taken away except by express words. In particular a jurisdiction or power conferred
by constitutional apparatus can be taken away only through an express constitutional amendment and nothing
short of that. An ordinary statute cannot take away powers of a superior court conferred by Constitution.
Such a statute is ex-facie discriminatory.
(k) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---"Hudood"---Scope and extent---Term "Hudood" on the civil side includes marital life, the
mandatory bridal gift commonly known in Pakistan as Haq-e-Mehr, inheritance, guardianship of person and
property of minors and persons with defective legal capacity, marriages (in particular polygamy), divorce
including Khula and Ziher.
(l) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---Term "Hudood"---Scope---Those offences,
whose punishment was either prescribed or left undetermined but it relates to acts forbidden or made
cognizable by Holy Quran, Sunnah, Consensus or by subsequent legislative instruments including all those
acts which according to the Statute Book of Pakistan are akin, auxiliary, analogous or supplementary to o r
germane with "Hudood" offences including preparation or abetment or attempt to commit such offences,

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would, without fail, fall within the meaning and scope of the term "Hudood"-Proceeding arising out of a
private complaint, crime report registered with police as F.I.R., information laid before a Magistrate by a
person other than a police officer or upon its motion by a judicial officer or judicial proceedings arising out of
an interim order or final verdict of acquittal or conviction in relation to an offence covered by the term
"Hudood", whether in the form of an appeal, revision or reference, would fall within the jurisdiction of
Federal Shariat Court---Legislation in Muslim societies in the uncovered field has been made permissible as
is evident from the principle Hablin Min un Naas. enunciated in Ayat 112 of Sura 3 Ale Imran---Word
"Habal" does not only mean rope but it also means command and mandate---State is therefore competent to
promulgate laws to implement and enforce Injunctions o f Islam.
Ayat 112 of Surah 3 Ale-Imram ref.
(m) Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act (VI of 2006)------Ss. 11 & 28-Offence of Zina (Enforcement o f Hudood) Ordinance (VII of 1979), S.3---Offence of Qazf
(Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance (VIII of 1979), S.19---Constitution of Pakistan, Arts.203-DD, 203-D &
203-A---Repugnancy to the Injunctions of Islam and the Constitution---Introduction of Ss.11 & 28 of the
Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 is an unwarranted inroad in the legislative
domain and consequently an unlawful interference to Hudood---Provisions of Ss.11 & 28 of the Protection of
Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 is repugnant to the Constitution as well as Injunctions of
Islam---Section 3 of Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 and S.19 of Offence of Qazf
(Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 shall be deemed not to have been repealed and are as valid and
essential part of the two Hudood Laws---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take
effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend
the impugned laws in conformity with the present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease
to be effective and present judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
Section 11 of Woman Protection Act, 2006 has omitted section 3 of Offence of Zina (Enforcement of
Hudood) Ordinance, 1979. Section 3 before repeal read as follows:-"Ordinance to override other Laws.---The provision of this Ordinance shall have effect notwithstanding
anything contained in any other law for the time being in force."
Section 28 of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 has omitted the similar text
contained in section 19 of Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979. Both the omitted
sections had given overriding effect to the provisions of Ordinances VII and VIII of 1979. These were non
obstante clauses which had created exceptions. This protective cover to the Hudood Laws of 1979 was
further strengthened by Chapter 3A, Part VII of the Constitution which had introduced Article 203-A in the
Constitution from 26th May, 1980. Thereafter Article 203-DD in the present form, was incorporated in the
Constitution in the year 1982. Section 3 and section 19 of the said two Hadood Ordinances thus acquired
constitutional protection which could not have been repealed/omitted or even amended by Act VI of 2006.
Moreover the effect of sections 11 and 28 of the Act is to curtail the constitutional jurisdiction guaranteed in
Article 203-DD of the Constitution and this step cannot be legally undertaken through ordinary legislation.
The effect of constitutional protection can be altered only through constitutional amendment and not
otherwise. As a result thereof the introduction of sections 11 and 28 of the Protection of Women (Criminal
Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 is an unwarranted inroad in the legislative domain and consequently an
unlawful interference in the enforcement of "Hudood". Hence it is repugnant to the Constitution as well as
Injunctions of Islam. Section 3 of Ordinance VII of 1979 and section 19 of Ordinance VIII of 1979 shall be

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deemed not to have been repealed and are as valid and essential part of the two Hudood laws.
The declaration relating to Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 (Act VI of 2006);
The Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 as well as Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 shall take effect as from
22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned
laws in conformity with this declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and
this judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011. The other items of the
Declaration become operative forthwith.
(n) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-DD, 203-A & 203-D---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in bail matters---Bar of
jurisdiction---Power exercised by Federal Shariat Court under the Constitution overrides all laws---Article
203-A of the Constitution states that provisions of Chap.3A of Part VII of the Constitution shall have effect
notwithstanding anything even in the Constitution---Matter of bail is related with the offence---Bail is applied
for by an accused only when an offence is alleged to have been committed---If an offence is covered by
Hudood the trial takes place under the law relating to Hudood---Appeal or revision in such proceedings is
therefore within the cognizance of Federal Shariat Court---Order of grant or refusal to grant bail in such
offence is therefore part of proceedings of trial of "Hudood" cases and hence cognizable by Federal Shariat
Court alone---Order on an application for grant or refusal of bail by Trial Court in all categories of offences
within the ambit of "Hudood" is covered by the term proceedings, as employed in Art.203-DD of the
Constitution and hence within the scope of the terms "any case", "any criminal court" and "under any law"
and therefore can be impugned only before the Federal Shariat Court which has the exclusive jurisdiction in
all sorts of matters related with enforcement of "Hudood"---No other court, including a High Court, will, in
future, entertain proceeding relating to bail in offences covered by the term "Hudood"---Principles.
Muhammad Rafiq and others v. the State PLD 1980 Lah. 708; Zahoor Elahi v. State PLD 1977 SC 273;
Malik Ghulam Jilani v. Government of Pakistan PLD 1967 and Government of Pakistan v. Begum Agha
Abdul Karim Shorish Kashmiri PLD 1969 SC 14 ref.
(o) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-G---Bar of jurisdiction---Ouster of jurisdiction particularly of a superior court has to be stated in
very clear terms---Jurisdiction vesting in a court by virtue of constitutional provisions undoubtedly stands at a
higher level and cannot be curtailed by routine legislation---Constitutional bar mandated by Art.203-G of the
Constitution needs careful consideration which mandates that "no court or tribunal including the Supreme
Court and a High Court, shall entertain any proceedings or exercise any power or jurisdiction in respect of
any matter within the powers or jurisdiction of the court".
(p) Control of Narcotic Substances Act (XXV of 1997)------Ss. 9, 48, 49 & 51---Anti-Terrorism Act (XXVII of 1997), Ss.25 & 21-D---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203DD---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court charged with "Hudood" offences and grant or refusal of bail--Scope---Offences relating to narcotic drugs are within the purview of "Hudood" and consequently an order,
final or interim including grant or refusal of bail, passed by any court, special or ordinary, under any law,
regarding an offence relating to "Hudood" is within the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court and no other
court, including a High Court, has the power to entertain bail matter or an appeal or revision in any such
matter---Federal Shariat Court directed . that text of Ss.48 & 49 of Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997

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has now to be suitably amended to restore jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in matters relating to
enforcement of "Hudood"-No legal instrument, other than constitutional amendment, can limit or ignore the
exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court mandated under Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Similarly if
an offence of the nature of "Hudood" is tried under Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 the appeal in all such cases
under S.25 of the said Act, or for that matter bail under S.21-D of the said Act shall lie before the Federal
Shariat Court and not a High Court---Federal Shariat Court directed that consequently two steps will have to
be taken to set the matter right that words "Federal Shariat" shall be substituted for the words "High Court"
occurring in Ss.48(i) and 49(i) of Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 and that a rider will have to be
put in S.25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 to state that appeal in cases relating to Hudood shall lie to the
Federal Shariat Court---Any order, interim or final, passed by a Court constituted under Anti-Terrorism Act,
1997, in relation to a Hadd offence, shall be appealable or revisable only before the Federal Shariat Court--Wordings of S.25 Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 should be suitably amended to make it clear that a High Court
shall have jurisdiction in all cases under the Act except "Hudood" matters---Present findings shall become
operative after the specified period---Ss.48 & 49 of Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 and S.25 of
Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 are violative of Art.203-DD of the Constitution to the extent that the jurisdiction of
the Federal Shariat Court is ousted in matters relating to grant of bail or hearing appeals or ordering transfer
of cases from one court to another court in cases registered or charged with "Hudood" offences---Federal
Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date
necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned laws in conformity with the
present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and present judgment of the
Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
(q) Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act (VI of 2006)------Ss. 25 & 28---Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance (VIII of 1979), S.14(3)(4)---Dissolution
of Muslim Marriages Act (VIII of 1939), S.2(vii)(a)---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Repugnancy to
Injunctions of Islam---Lian---Section 25 of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendments) Act, 2006
has repealed subsections (3) and (4) of section 14, Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 and S.28 of
the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 adds clause (vii)(a) Lian in S.2 of the
Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939---Both the interpolations have altered the legal composition of
the Institution of Lian which developed on the basis of express injunctions of Holy Quran---Section 14 of Qazf
(Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 had in fact given legislative effect to an Injunction of Islam---Effect
of repealing subsections (3) and (4) of S.14 of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 is to stifle the
operation of an Injunction of Holy Quran relating to the enforcement of "Hudood" which is not only
repugnant to the Injunctions contained in Ayaat 44, 45 and 47 of Surah 5 and Surah An-Nur but is also a
clear violation of Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Similarly section 28 of Protection of Women (Criminal
Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 becomes repugnant to the Quranic Injunctions---Said repeal effected by the
Act, is in utter violation of the Injunctions of Islam---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration
shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government
to amend the impugned laws in conformity with present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall
cease to be effective and present judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
Ayaat 4 through 9 of Surah 24 An-Nur and Ayaat 44, 45 and 47 of Surah 5 and Surah An-Nur ref.
(r) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-DD & 203-D---Classification of punishments and offences covered by `Hudood'---Term
"enforcement of Hudood" as used in Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Analysis---Constitution has created only

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one forum under the designation of Federal Shariat Court, which has the exclusive jurisdiction (Art.203-D) to
examine the question whether any. law is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam, it is, therefore the domain of
the Federal Shariat Court to examine the question of repugnancy of any law to the Injunctions of Islam--Definition of term "Hudood", as may be settled in the light of Injunctions of Islam by the Federal Shariat
Court will, therefore, determine the meaning of the term as well as the extent of its jurisdiction---Term
"Hadd" means a punishment "ordained by Holy Quran or Sunnah "---Principles.
Ayaat 178, 179, 194, Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah); Ayah 45 Surah 5 (Al-Maidah); Ayah 24 Surah 4, An-Nisa of
Holy Quran and Asma Jilani v. Government of Punjab PLD 1972 SC 139 ref.
(s) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-D & 227---Powers, jurisdiction and functions of the Federal Shariat Court---Scope---Term
"Hudood" has to be defined in the light of Injunctions of Holy Quran and the Sunnah.
Chapter 3-A of Part VIII of the Constitution, dealing with the Federal Shariat Court, contemplates very
vividly that the Federal Shariat Court, shall be guided in its decisions and findings by the Injunctions of Islam
as laid down in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Likewise, Article 227 (1) of the
Constitution prescribes that all existing laws shall be brought in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam as
laid down in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah and further that no law in future shall be enacted which is
repugnant to these injunctions. The ultimate role of examining the vires of an impugned legal instrument on
the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam is therefore the exclusive preserve of the Federal Shariat Court as
mandated by Article 203-D of the Constitution. The Parliament is debarred from enacting a law which is
repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam. This reality amounts to a declaration in loud terms that the statute book
of Pakistan has to be in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam and consequently the term "Hudood" has, in
fact, to be defined in the light of Injunctions as laid down in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.
(t) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Expression "Hudood"-Meaning and Scope---"Hudood", in the field of law, science,
philosophy etc. assumes a wider meaning than the actual dictionary meanings and includes the term `Tazir'--Offences covered by the term Hudood enumerated.
Tashree ul Janai al Islam Vl. 1 at p.119; Ayah 90 Surah 16 of Holy Quran and Dr. Muhammad Aslam Khaki
v. Federation of Pakistan PLD 2010 FSC 191 ref.
(u) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD & 203-G---Enforcement of Hudood---Revisional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court---Scope---All offences relating to Hudood are within the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court---All matters connected with Hudood would, therefore, automatically be included in the jurisdiction of
Federal Shariat Court---Powers conferred by the Constitution upon Federal Shariat Court enumerated.
Article 203-G read with Article 203-DD(2) of the Constitution establishes beyond doubt that all offences
relating to Hudood are within the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court. All matters connected with
Hudood would therefore automatically be included in the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court. This is
precisely what is meant by "enforcement of Hudood" as prescribed in Article 203-DD of the Constitution.

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It is indeed true that all judicial powers are lodged with the judiciary and wide powers have undoubtedly been
conferred by the Constitution upon the Federal Shariat Court which include:(a) To administer punitive and remedial justice to and between parties subject to Constitution and law;
(b) To exercise exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to examination of laws on the touchstone of
Injunctions of Islam and in cases relating to Hudood laws;
(c) To exercise the special jurisdiction without further legislative sanction;
(d) To define the scope and extent of its jurisdiction within the parameters identified in Chapter 3-A of
Part VII of the Constitution;
(e) To determine the meaning and scope of the undefined terms used in Chapter 3-A of Part VII of the
Constitution;
(f)

To exercise powers of a civil court in respect of certain matters;

(g) Authority to conduct its proceedings and regulate its procedure in all respects as it deems fit;
(h) To punish its own contempt;
(i) To make rules for carrying out the purposes of Chapter 3-A of Part VII of the Constitution;
(j) Exercising such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any law;
(k) To call for and examine the record of any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating
to the enforcement of Hudood; and
(l)

Exclusive authority and the jurisdiction to examine and decide the question whether or not any law
or provision of law is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam as laid down in Holy Quran and Sunnah.

(v) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-DD & 227---Offences falling in the ambit of "Hudood"-Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court--Scope---Terminology employed in Art.203-DD of the Constitution "any case"; "any Criminal Court" and
"under any law "---Scope.
It is necessary for a Judge to know the meaning and the scope of the term law because he is under oath to
administer law. He should be clear in his mind that the law under consideration was made by an authority
legally competent to makes laws. The Federal Shariat Court has the additional but onerous constitutional
responsibility to examine whether the impugned law or provision of law is in accordance with Injunctions of
Islam. This authority of the Federal Shariat Court is necessary extension of the mandate given in Article 227
of the Constitution. The notion of legitimacy and efficacy therefore becomes relevant because not only the
law making authority should be legally competent but the law should be capable of being enforced according
to the Injunctions of Islam and the principles established by the Constitution.
The ouster of jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court can be accomplished by only one jurisdictional fact: that

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the act complained of is not covered by the mischief of an offence covered by the term "Hudood". If however
the impugned transgression falls in the ambit of "Hudood" then the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court
cannot be ousted. This element is the key to the question of jurisdiction. It is immaterial whether the offence
complained of is mentioned in the four Hudood laws of 1979 or any other law. The issue stands settled by the
terminology employed in Article 203-DD any case; any criminal court and under any law. The term any case
is relatable to all such offences which might be covered in the definition of "Hudood". All actions which are
ancillary or auxiliary or related to or germane to or connected with offences falling in the ambit of "Hudood"
are also included in the term any case related with "Hudood". Any case also includes all those cases in which
one of the alleged offences is covered by the definition of the term "Hudood". When a matter has been dealt
with by the Constitution and it is not subject to any statute then no statute can control or curtail the power
conferred upon a superior court by the Constitution.
The State v. Khalid Mahmood PLD 1996 SC 42 ref.
(w) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Exact nature and scope of Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Nature of Art.203-DD is
self-executing and is not at all different from the nature of Arts.184 through 190 as well 199,101 and 203 of
the Constitution---Article 203-DD confers power upon the Federal Shariat Court to exercise jurisdiction in all
cases, pending or decided by any criminal court under any law in relation to the enforcement of "Hudood"Exclusive powers of judicial nature in relation to matters pertaining to "Hudood", a particular branch of
administration of Criminal Justice, have been conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court to (i) call for and
examine the record of (ii) any case (iii) decided by any criminal court (iv) under any law relating to
enforcement of Hudood---Principles.
Hakim Khan v. Government of Pakistan PLD 1992 SC 595 ref.
(x) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-D---Powers, jurisdiction and functions of Federal Shariat Court---Term `law' for the purpose of
Art.203-D---Connotation.
Kundah Bibi and 4 others v. Walayat Hussain, Controller of Estate Duty, Government of Pakistan and another
PLD 1971 Lah. 360; Government of West Pakistan v. Begum Agha Abdul Karim Shorish Kashmiri PLD
1969 SC 14 and Dudlay Corporation (1882) 8 QBD 86 (93, 94) by Brett, L.J. ref.
(y) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Revisional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Contention that revisional
power and not appellate power was conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court under Art.203-DD of the
Constitution was erroneous---Revisional jurisdiction conferred upon Federal Shariat Court, at constitutional
plane, not only encompass at one place the powers that are exercised by an appellate court under different
sections of the Criminal Procedure Code but at the same time, in exercise of the same jurisdiction, the
Federal Shariat Court in its capacity as the revisional court, has the additional potential of enhancing any
sentence if, after examination of the record of any case decided by any criminal court, it is convinced that
punishment awarded was scanty; it is for this reason that Art.203-DD of the Constitution conferred revisional
jurisdiction alone on the Federal Shariat Court because powers of a revisional court are much wider than that
of the powers of an appellate court---Power of Federal Shariat Court to order retrial remains intact under the

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constitutional provisions because "the Court may pass such orders as it deems fit. "; however in appropriate
cases, in order to save time, expense, and harassment the Federal Shariat Court may straightaway convict the
accused, if after hearing him, it finds that there is sufficient evidence on record to do so.
Muhammad Babar v. Muhammad Akram and 3 others PLD 1987 FSC 38 ref.
(z) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Revisional jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---"Revision"---Scope in legal
parlance---Article 203-DD of the Constitution does not confer appellate jurisdiction simpliciter upon the
Federal Shariat Court; it confers revisional and other jurisdiction---Powers vesting in the Federal Shariat
Court under Art. 203-DD of the Constitution with regard to any case decided by any criminal court under any
law relating to the enforcement of "Hudood" are all inclusive in nature---Statute may or may not confer a
right of appeal but the Constitution has provided a permanent remedy for every aggrieved person to invoke
revisional jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court in appropriate proceedings---Revision is a wider
jurisdiction; this is what the head-note of Art.203-DD indicates---Term Revision includes re-examination,
re-assessment, careful reading over for correction and improvement---Federal Shariat Court has also to see
whether justice, as tempered by kindness, has been done by the Trial Court---Such power of Adl with Ihsan is
not prescribed upon any appellate court in the Code of Criminal Procedure---Wide powers have been
conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court by way of revisional jurisdiction to do complete justice according to
relevant Injunctions of Islam in cases decided by any criminal court under any law relating to the
enforcement of Hudood.
Ayat No.90 Surah 16, An-Nahl ref.
(aa) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-DD & 203-D---Revisional jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Significance elaborated.
The term revision is wider in meaning and scope than the term "appeal". The term "revision" also includes
revision of statutes which in substance is the re-examination of laws. It is different from an amendment. It
implies re-examination and restatement of law. Legislators are often authorized by constitutional provisions
to revise and to restate all the statute laws of a general and permanent nature of the State up to a certain date,
in corrected and improved form. This legislative function has been conferred on the Federal Shariat Court to
undertake examination of laws on the touchstone of the Injunctions of Islam. This is precisely the jurisdiction
of the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203-D of the Constitution. The Court at the same time enjoys the
jurisdiction under Article 203-D to examine any law on its own motion. There could be cases when the court
is called upon to exercise its jurisdiction under both the Articles 203-D and 203-DD in one and the same case.
This special type of jurisdiction is enjoyed only by the Federal Shariat Court in the judicial hierarchy of
Pakistan.
The absence of the word "appeal" does not in any way limit the widest possible jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court conferred upon it by virtue of Article 203-DD of the Constitution which enables it to call for
and examine the record of any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement
of Hudood. In fact very wide powers have been conferred upon the court by virtue of just one Article of the
Constitution without enumerating twenty-eight sections in quick succession as has been done .in Chapter
XXXI of Part VII of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Federal Shariat Court would, in view of this
constitutional provision, exercise widest possible jurisdiction in cases decided by any criminal court under

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any law relating to an offence covered by the term Hudood. All the recognized incidents of the term "appeal"
have been included in the powers conferred upon Federal Shariat Court by Article 203-DD of the
Constitution under the title Revision. The Constitution does not concede such broad based revisional powers
to the High Courts. The revisional jurisdiction of a High Court is certainly dependent upon an enabling
provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure which can be omitted, altered, substituted, or even restricted by
ordinary legislative measure.
The revisional jurisdiction conferred upon Federal Shariat Court by Article 203-DD of the Constitution is not
a mere power but is in essence a sacrosanct duty because the said constitutional provision speaks in terms of
enforcement of "Hudood".
It is for the purposes of correcting miscarriage of justice, doing substantial justice, removing any illegality or
perversity that the Federal Shariat Court has been clothed with vast powers under the title of Revisional
Jurisdiction. One of the fundamental object of this jurisdiction is that the Federal Shariat Court would watch
carefully that no Injunction of Islam relating' to the enforcement of "Hudood" is violated in any case by virtue
of any order or decision by any criminal court exercising power under any law.
Existence of law is not sufficient. It is just one aspect of administration of justice. The emphasis of Holy
Quran is- in fact upon enforcing the law. Constitution, in particular, has laid emphasis on "enforcement of
Hudood". Chapter 3A of Part VII of the Constitution is the solitary instance where the Constitution speaks in
terms of enforcement. This element of enforcement only in relation to Hudood, according to the Constitution,
is the exclusive domain of Federal Shariat Court through revisional jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203-DD not only refers to the power to examine
the record of any case pending in a criminal court but also enables it to examine the propriety of any decision
or order passed by any criminal court under any law relating to "Enforcement of Hudood". The word any
means all, each, and every case pending or decided and each law under which the criminal Court takes
cognizance of a matter. The term "any case" used in Article 203-DD is therefore very wide and includes any
matter which is within the initial cognizance of the criminal trial court. Any case therefore means any matter
under any law connected with the "Enforcement of Hudood".
(bb) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Terms "any case", "any criminal court" and "any law" used in Art.203-DD of the
Constitution---Connotation and Scope.
The word "any" has been used four times in Article 203-DD of the Constitution. In clause (1) the words are:
"of any case," "any criminal court" and "under any law" while in clause (2) the words used are: "in any case".
The word ' a n y " as employed in Article 203-DD has been expressed without any qualification. The word any
in the context in Article 203-DD would mean: any person, any court or any law under which a trial or
proceedings as regards offences relating to Hudood are being held or have been concluded. The word any is
wide enough to include every case, covered by the term Hudood or related to Hudood and would also cover
situations when any case is sought to be transferred in the manner and circumstances visualized by sections
526 and 528 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The three terms i.e. "any case", "any criminal court" and
"any law" as used in Article 203-DD not only tend to enlarge the amplitude of the, term Hudood but lay
emphasis on the fact that all type of proceedings related to offences covered by the meaning and scope of the
term Hudood would remain the exclusive preserve of the Federal Shariat Court. There is no earthly reason to

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exclude any one matter connected with the proceedings under Hudood laws from the jurisdiction of the
Federal Shariat Court. Word "any" as used in Article 203 DD is a word of "expansion indicative of width and
amplitude sufficient to bring within the scope and ambit of the words it governed, all that could possibly be
included in them.
Term criminal court used in Article 203-DD is not restrictive in the sense as mentioned in section 6 of the
Code of Criminal Procedure. It means any court exercising criminal jurisdiction under any law of the land
relating to an offence in the domain of Hudood. The term criminal court extends to every category of Courts,
Tribunals or Authorities competent under any law of the land to try and decide cases in which the offence
complained of pertains to Hudood.
Inamur Rehman v. Federation of Pakistan 1992 SCMR 563; Ch. Zahoor Elahi MNA v. The State PLD 1977
SC 273; M. Amjad v. Commissioner of Income Tax and 2 others 1992 PTD 513; N.-W.F.P. v. Muhammad
Irshad PLD 1995 SC 281 and Commissioner of Income Tax v. Media Network PLD 2006 SC 787 ref:
(cc) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Extent and scope of the powers bestowed upon the Federal Shariat Court by Art. 203-DD
of the Constitution summarized.
Following is the summary of the extent and scope of the powers bestowed upon the Federal Shariat Court by
Article 203-DD of the Constitution. The under mentioned issues appear to have been contemplated:
(i)

The jurisdiction of the court in respect of enforcement of Hudood;

(ii)

The responsibility of the court to satisfy itself as to the correctness, legality and propriety of any
finding, sentence or order recorded or passed by any court;

(iii)

The power of the court to decide the regularity or otherwise of any proceedings related to
enforcement of Hudood;

(iv)

The power of the court to direct suspension of any sentence awarded in cases relating to Hudood;

(v)

Power of the court to release any accused on bail;

(vi)

Power of the court to pass any order it may deem fit in relation to any proceeding related to the
enforcement of Hudood;

(vii)

Power of the court to enhance any sentence passed by any court in relation to Hudood; and

(viii)

Any other jurisdiction conferred on the court by or under any law.

A cursory glance over the contents of Article 203-DD clearly establishes that the framers of Chapter 3A of
Part VII of the Constitution perceived a much broader role for the Federal Shariat Court in relation to
Hudood. It was an all-inclusive role which is certainly wider than mere customary appellate jurisdiction.
The Constitution has made it certain that the revisional jurisdiction conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court
by it is taken out of the scope of ordinary legislative functions of Majlis-e-Shoora. The Constitution conceded

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not only wide powers to the Federal Shariat Court but it proceeded to protect these powers from the
vicissitude of legislative procedure prescribed under Article 70 of the Constitution. Additionally the
Constitution proclaimed that Federal Shariat Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be conferred
upon it by or under any law. The consequence of this provision of the Constitution is that the Government or
the Legislature has been restrained firstly from omitting any item from the prescribed jurisdiction of Federal
Shariat Court in matters relating to Hudood, and secondly the additional power which may subsequently be
included in the jurisdiction of the court under sub-Article (3) of Article 203-DD will be of the nature that it
cannot be taken away by routine legislative measure. The additional jurisdiction, whenever conferred would
be saved by constitutional provision. The Constitution commands in unambiguous terms that Federal Shariat
Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court in Pakistan, have exclusive jurisdiction to control, supervise
and streamline the process of the enforcement of Hudood under any law by any court or judicial forum. In
Article 203-DD the term used is "enforcement of Hudood" and not mere Hudood.
In this context the word enforcement means the action of making sure that people obey the Islamic law
relating to Hudood or the result of making sure that people obey the law. The intent of the authors of this
constitutional provision is clear. It confers wider powers and jurisdiction on the Federal Shariat Court so that
not only the enforcement or implementation of Hudood law is ensured but judicial guarantee is provided to
ensure correctness, legality and propriety as well as regularity of proceedings in relation to the enforcement
of Hudood as prescribed by Injunctions of Islam in the administration of criminal justice with a. view to
protecting Din, Life, Intellect, Progeny and Family as well as the legitimately acquired property of the
citizens and the people of Pakistan. The positive law must be aimed at protecting and advancing the
objectives of Shariah so as to achieve a correct and proper enforcement of Hudood. Laws have to be
implemented in that spirit. The Constitution authorizes the Federal Shariat Court to interfere and exercise its
jurisdiction in any case from any criminal court under any law with a view to ensuring the correctness,
legality and propriety of such implementation. The word enforcement has been used by the Constitution only
in relation to offences relating to or covered by the term Hudood. This is clearly wider expression and
includes all those steps which may technically be termed as appellate jurisdiction.
Even if the Parliament were to repeal Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order No. 4 of 1979, Offences
Against Property (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance (VI of 1979), Offence of Zina (Enforcement of
Hudood) Ordinance (VII of 1979) and Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance (VIII of 1979),
even then the Federal Shariat Court will continue having exclusive jurisdiction, under Article 203-DD, to call
for and examine the record of any case decided by any criminal court tinder any law relating to the
enforcement of Hudood.
Oxford, Advanced Learner's Dictionary ref.
( dd ) C o ns t it u t ion of Pak i s tan - -- -- - Art s . 203-DD, 203-G & 203-GG---Intent and purport of the Art.203-DD of the Constitution.
The intent and purport of Article 203-DD of the Constitution is to provide a single and a central judicial
forum which should have exclusive jurisdiction of ensuring correct, legal, proper and regular enforcement of
the laws of Hudood throughout Pakistan. The word "revisional" appearing in the head note of Article 203DD
has not been used in narrow and limited sense but it has been used in a broader sense. The right of appeal is
conceded to an aggrieved party whereas revision is conferring of power, privilege and discretion upon the
court to undertake examination of proceeding of a lower tribunal on the application of an aggrieved person or
on its motion. If this Article is read with Articles 203-G and 203-GG, it establishes beyond any shadow of

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doubt that revisionary power includes the appellate powers in relation to Hudood laws and the enforcement
of Hudood vest in the Federal Shariat Court to the exclusion of any other court in Pakistan. The words "any
power or jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the power and jurisdiction of the court" in Article
203-G makes it abundantly clear that no court will exercise appellate or revisional jurisdiction in matters
relating to enforcement of Hudood except the Federal Shariat Court. The power of a High Court to reverse an
order of acquittal into conviction, on appeal, is stipulated only under section 417 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure but this power which a High Court enjoys under a legislative instrument is conferred upon the
Federal Shariat Court specifically through a superior piece of legislation i.e. the Constitution. The
Constitution authorizes the Court to convert an order of acquittal into conviction. The Constitution therefore
preserves and consolidates all the legally conceivable powers and jurisdiction in Federal Shariat Court in all
matters relating to the enforcement of Hudood which any other court may enjoy collectively as an appellate
and revisional court under ordinary law.
Be it the Psalms of David, Gospel of Jesus, Tables of Moses or the Scripture revealed upon Muhammad
PBUH, Allah Almighty made His promise abundantly clear that the weak and the oppressed, the meek and
the browbeaten shall inherit this earth. Allah was Gracious to those who were oppressed in the land and in
His infinite mercy, He made them leaders of humanity and helped them succeed to the resources of this
world. The Righteous servants of God, in turn, uphold the guiding principles and permanent values ordained
and preserved in the Revelation and come forward to implement the regulations proposed by the Lord
Creator. They do not hesitate to implement and enforce the injunctions prescribed by Allah.
Ayaat Nos. 133 and 165 of Surah No.6; Ayaat Nos. 100, 130 and 134 of Surah No.7; Ayah No.14 of Surah
No.10; Ayah No. 57 of Surah No.11; Ayaat Nos. 11 and 105 of Surah 21; Ayah No.55 of Surah 24; Ayah
No.62 of Surah 27; Ayah No.5 of Surah 28; Ayah No.39 of Surah 35; Ayah No. 26 of Surah 38; Ayah No.38
of Surah 47; Ayah No.7 of Surah 57 and Ayah No.41 of Surah 70 ref.
(ee) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-D & 227---Powers, jurisdiction and functions of the Federal Shariat Court---Foundation and
Scope of Art.203-D of the Constitution stated.
The basis of Article 203 D can be traced to Ayaat 59 through 65 of Surah 4, An-Nisa.
A perusal of these Ayaat shows that the following two standards have been identified by Holy Quran for the
resolution of disputes, particularly between the citizenry and the State:
(i) The first point of reference is the Word of God;
(ii) The second point of reference is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet PBUH;
Those who deny this procedure/process are termed hypocrites by Holy Qur'an. The nutshell of Ayah 62 Surah
4, An-Nisa and Ayaat 47 through 52 is that those who do not observe what Allah or His Chosen Messenger
PBUH has ordained may fall in the category of Munafiqeen i.e. the hypocrites. This is the situation which a
believer would certainly avoid in all circumstances.
The message of the above mentioned seven Ayaat of Surah 4 is restated with full vehemence in Ayaat 43
through 50 of Surah 5, Al-Maida. The nutshell of the Divine verdict in these Ayaat is that those who do not
judge between people in accordance with what has been revealed are Disbelievers, Wrong-doers and

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Evil-livers. It is in this background that Article 203-D and Article 227 of the Constitution of Pakistan has to
be understood, appreciated, construed, interpreted and implemented.
Article 203D of the Constitution provides a practical mechanism to:
(a) ensure implementation of the mandate contained in Article 227 of the Constitution that no law shall
be enacted which is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam contained in Holy Quran or Sunnah;
(b) achieve the goal, visualized in clause three of Objectives Resolution that the Muslims shall be
enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings
and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah, and
(c)

provide machinery at national level not through an ordinary piece of legislation but through the
agency of the fundamental law of Pakistan by way of creating a superior court with exclusive
jurisdiction to undertake solemn exercise of adapting the Statute Book of Pakistan with Injunctions of
Islam.

The reason that a constitutional provision has empowered the Federal Shariat Court to examine laws on the
touchstone of Injunctions of Islam can be traced to Ayah 85 of Surah 28, Al-Qasas which proclaims that
Allah made the teachings of Holy Quran binding upon the believers. The other reason is furnished by Ayah
23 Surah 3, Ale-Imran, Ayah 105 Surah 4, An-Nisa; Ayaat 44, 47 Surah 5, Al-Maidah; Ayah 114 Surah 6,
Al-Anam. All these verses proclaim that people should be judged according to the teachings and principles
handed over by Revelation. Still another reasons is that the Holy Quran proclaims itself as FURQAN i.e.
Distinguisher. In other words Quran is the litmus test. Human conduct in Muslim societies should not be
apposed to the spirit and teachings of the Holy Book.
(ff) Islamic jurisprudence------Ijtehad---Role in administration of justice.
. The criteria for resolving conflicts among people at judicial level is best illustrated by the instructions given
by Holy Prophet PBUH to Maaz bin Jabel on the eve of his appointment as Governor of Yamen. Decisions
were to be given in the light of Injunctions contained in Holy Quran and if no guidance was available in the
primary source, the judgment was to be based upon the guiding principles provided by Sunnah and in the
absence of any precedent or Injunction available in the above two basic sources, then the judge was to
undertake Ijtehad i.e. application of mental faculties to the maximum in resolving the issue without violating
the spirit of guiding principles provided by two primary sources: This was the first occasion when the term
Ijtehad was employed in the realm of administration of justice by a Companion in the presence of Holy
Prophet (PBUH) who approved it whole heartedly. This was the time and occasion when the exercise of
Ijtehad for the resolution of disputes received formal sanction. From that point onward Ijtehad played an
important role in the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence and the administration of justice.
(gg) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-GG, 189 & 201---Decision of Federal Shariat Court---Nature and scope.
A careful reading of Article 203-GG as well as Articles 189 and 201 of the Constitution indicates that the
Federal Shariat Court is not bound even by its own decisions. There is no institutionalized taqlid in so far as

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this Court is concerned. It is the continuation of the time honoured practice in Muslim societies that the
Judges were not bound by previous decision in matters within the ambit of uncovered field. The reason was
simple: In the given circumstances of a situation when no legal provision was available to resolve a
controversy, an effort to discover a remedy was resorted to by undertaking Ijtehad in the larger interest of
Justice. Justice is indeed related to the restoration of rights. Resolution of human problems does not brook a
vacuum. A still better view is always possible on account of practical experience gained by all the
stakeholders in the administration of justice particularly on account of change of conditions and
circumstances. Human thought is not stagnant. Human mind is a dynamic faculty. It progresses and develops
by experience. The process of development and evolution is ongoing. This course is not static. Injunctions of
Islam do not enjoin negation of movement. Islamic teachings beckon a person to look forward for a better
future.
The superior courts, particularly in matters relating to Islamic jurisprudence, are under an obligation to
develop law in the light of Injunctions of Islam as laid down in Holy Quran and Sunnah. Exercise of Ijtehad
implies that the courts are not bound by one interpretation in the uncovered field for all times to come:
Wisdom and saner counsel is the common heritage of humanity. The net result of incorporating Article
203-GG is that any decision of the Federal Shariat Court in exercise of its jurisdiction, is binding on a High
Court and on all courts subordinate to such High Court. The trial courts are subordinate to provincial High
Courts with the result that the findings of Federal Shariat Court, as regards its jurisdiction over trials relating
to enforcement of Hudood as well as its interpretation and decisions shall be binding on provincial High
Courts and the courts subordinate to the High Courts.
The phrase "to the extent that it decides a question of law or is based upon or enunciates a principle of law"
mentioned in Articles 189 & 201 of the Constitution is conspicuous by omission in Article 203-GG. It
therefore means in very clear terms that the ratio as well as dicta in a judgment of the Federal Shariat Court is
binding upon the four provincial High Courts as well as all the courts throughout the country as these courts
are subordinate to one or the other High-Court. Any judgment, order or decision delivered, passed or given
by a High Court or a court subordinate to a High Court, contrary to the decision of Federal Shariat Court will
be a judgment per incuriam. High Court has no jurisdiction under section 561-A of the Code of Criminal
Procedure and Article 199 of the Constitution in matters which fell within the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court. Decision of the High Court in such matters was coram non judice. This jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court therefore is exclusive in nature and is not shared by any superior Court/Tribunal created by the
Constitution.
Ayah 46, Surah 34, Saba; Zaheer ud Din v. The State 1993 SCMR 1718; Auranzeb v. Massan 1003 CLC
1020 and Hafiz Abdul Waheed v. Mst. Asma Jehangir P1D 2004 SC 219 ref.
(hh) Constitution of Pakistan------Art.203-E(a)---Power of review by Federal Shariat Court---Nature and Scope.
This power of review is not subject to any Act of Parliament.
The vast power of review conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court is in effect the acceptance of the principle
of IJTIHAD for the development of Islamic Jurisprudence through the agency of this court of original
jurisdiction. The objective in conferring this power upon the Federal Shariat Court has it genesis in Ayah 17
Surah 13, Ar-Rad, Holy Qur'an.

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The decisions of the Federal Shariat Court are supposed to clean the existing law of any dirt or possible
trash.
Hazoor Bux v. Federation of Pakistan PLD 1981 FSC 145 and Federation of Pakistan v. Hazoor Bux and 2
others PLD 1983 FSC 255 ref.
(ii) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-D & 203-C---Creation of Federal Shariat Court---Purpose---Declaration' in Holy Quran
conceding the protest of aggrieved person---Administration of justice in Islam---Principles.
The historic opening words of the first Ayah of Surah Mujadilah is very significant as it is the solitary
instance in the history of revealed literature where a woman, aggrieved by an inhuman custom, having the
force of law, entered a caveat. Her rights as a wife had been suspended unilaterally by oral pronouncement
made by the husband. She lodged a protest before Muhammad (PBUH), the head of the nascent Islamic
polity, because she knew that Allah through His Apostle had the power to promulgate, amend, change, alter,
substitute or even repeal any prevalent rule or custom having the force of law. Her supplication was
answered. The prompt revelation proclaimed:
" O protesting lady! Your petition has been heard."
This declaration is preserved in Holy Quran as Ayah No.1 Surah 58, Al-Mujadilah. The following principles
of law can therefore be deduced from this very Injunction of Islam:(i)

Right of protest is conceded to an aggrieved person;

(ii)

Every person aggrieved of an inhuman rule, law, custom or practice, having the force of law, has
a right to get it reviewed by competent authority;

(iii)

The aggrieved person in such a situation should have free access to justice;

(iv)

The aggrieved person shall have the right of audience at the time of initiating the complaint;

(v)

The Authority is under an obligation to probe into the complaint and may for that purpose
undertake examination of any impugned law or practice;

(vi)

The Authority must examine the issue and deliver a speaking and an effective order; and

(vii)

The Authority, may in the facts and circumstances of the case not only introduce necessary
amendments in law but may also provide a remedy to rectify the wrong.

In this view of the matter the creation of Federal Shariat Court is in fact practical realization of the remedy
contemplated by Holy Quran for persons aggrieved by anti-people laws and inhuman practices having the
force of law. The Federal Shariat Court, in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 203-D, in fact 'discharges
the obligation imposed by Ayah 103 of Surah 3, Ale-Imran because the power todeclare a law to be in
conflict or otherwise to the Injunctions of Islam is not only a message to the people to follow what is good
and avoid what is wrong. The yardstick to determine what is good or bad according to Muslim belief, is
certainly the Revealed principle.

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Ayah No.1 Surah 58, Al-Mujadilah ref.


(jj) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-C, 228 & 227---Creation of Federal Shariat Court and composition of Council of Islamic
Ideology---Object and Scope.
The creation of the Council of Islamic Ideology and the Federal Shariat Court in due course of time after the
.creation of Pakistan, through constitutional apparatus provides technical assistance/ recommendations to the
Parliament/Provincial Assemblies before finalizing legislation while the Federal Shariat Court examines,
whenever any question arises, any law or provision of law on the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam after a
proposed Bill has materialized into an Act. The Council of Islamic Ideology appears to be an adjunct of the
Parliament/Provincial Assemblies/President/Governor but it does not provide remedies to general public. The
Federal Shariat Court is not part of the legislative wing of the State but it has the potential to provide relief to
any person who is aggrieved of or is critical of any legislative measure. This court on the other hand gives
personal hearing to a petitioner and undertakes an examination of the question submitted for its consideration.
The procedure for invoking jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court is not only simple but has been made
inexpensive as well. Persons desirous of seeking examination of a given law or a provision of law or even
custom, having the force of law, may not be permitted an ingress in the premises of legislative bodies to
demand review of impugned legal instruments but the Constitution has provided a forum at the federal level
to the citizens of Pakistan enabling them to invoke its extraordinary jurisdiction by making an application,
without stamp duty and claim examination of any law, on the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam without
constraint of period of limitation. The application for examination can be made at any provincial head-quarter
or the principal seat of this Court at Islamabad. Once a Shariat Petition is submitted, it cannot be dismissed
on the sole ground of absence or death of the petitioner. The Court may proceed with the examination of the
impugned law which has been brought to its notice.
The creation of Federal Shariat Court is a natural sequel to Article 227 of the Constitution.
It is therefore abundantly clear that the basic object of creating Federal Shariat Court at the national level was
to provide a vigilant and effective forum to oversee that no legal instrument, made enforceable in the
Federation, remains d e hor s the Injunctions of Islam. This particular aspect is in fact the practical realization
of the second part of clause (1) of Article 227 of the Constitution of Pakistan which proclaims that no law
shall b e en a ct e d which is repugnant to Injunctions of Islam. The possibility of a legal provision, being
incorporated in a Federal or a Provincial law, which is contrary to one or more Injunctions of Islam, cannot
be ruled out because to err is human. The powers vesting in the Federal Shariat Court to examine the
provisions of any law in fact provide a speedy and an effective remedy to rectify any error which might creep
in while drafting the legal instrument.
The power conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court under Chapter 3A of Part VII of the Constitution is
mandatory. The imperative nature of a decision of the court is mentioned in Article 203-G of the Constitution
which states that the final decision of the Federal Shariat Court is binding on all the High Courts and on all
courts subordinate thereto. This is at par with the obligatory nature of the decisions of the High Court under
Article 201 as well as the provision contained in Article 189 which makes the decision of the Supreme Court
conclusive and binding on all other courts in Pakistan. This power is therefore more than what is visualized
commonly about mandatory statutes. Without even alluding to the power of contempt stipulated for the three
above mentioned constitutional courts it is discovered that the intention of legislature was indicated in

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unequivocal terms by mandating that the order passed by courts have to be obeyed, implemented and acted
upon and further that the jurisdiction mandated for these three constitutional courts shall have to be honoured
and preserved. Clause (2) of Article 5 of the Constitution states that obedience to the Constitution and law is
the inviolable obligation of every citizen wherever he may be and of every other person for the time being in
Pakistan.
Ayah No.1, Surah 58, Al-Majadalah of Holy Quran; Ayah No.17 Surah 13, Ar-Raad of Holy Quran and Ayah
111 of Surah 3, Al-e-Imran ref.
(kk) Offences Against Property (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance (VI of 1979)------Preamble---Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance (VII of 1979), Preamble---Offence of
Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance (VIII of 1979), Preamble---Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd)
Order (4 of 1979), Preamble---Control of Narcotic Substances Act (XXV of 1997), Preamble---Anti
Terrorism Act (XXVII of 1997), Preamble---Penal Code (XLV of 1860), Preamble---Constitution of
Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Revisional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---Final or
interim orders passed or judgments delivered by trial courts exercising jurisdiction on criminal side with
regard to offences covered by the term "Hudood", whether mentioned in Offences Against Property
(Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979; Offence of Zina Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979;
Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979; Prohibition (Enforcement of Hadd) Order, 1979;
Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997; Anti Terrorism Act, 1997; Penal Code, 1860 or any other law for
the time being in force, can be challenged by way of appeal or otherwise only before the Federal Shariat
Court and no other court of criminal jurisdiction is competent to entertain and adjudicate upon proceedings
connected with Hudood offences---Initiation of proceedings to quash First Information Report or pending
criminal proceeding related to Hudood matters are within the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court
in view of the mandate of Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Remedy against grant or refusal of bail before or
during the trial of any of the above mentioned offences lies before Federal Shariat Court alone and no other
court has jurisdiction to entertain any proceedings in such matters---Federal Shariat Court directed that
present declaration relating to Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006, The Control
of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 as well as Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 shall take effect as from 22nd June,
2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned laws in
conformity with present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and
present judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011---Other items of the
Declaration become operative forthwith.
(ll) Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act (VI of 2006)------Ss. 11, 28 & 29---Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance (VII of 1979), Preamble--Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance (VIII of 1979), Preamble---Constitution of Pakistan,
Chap.3A, Part VII & Art.203-DD---Powers and jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Vires of statute--Sections 11, 28 and 29 of Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 have been found to
be violative of Art.203-DD of the Constitution of Pakistan---Overriding effect given to Offence of Zina
(Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 and Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979
was doubly fortified as the provisions of Chap.3A Part VII of the Constitution, which deal with the powers
and jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court, were mandated to have effect notwithstanding contained in the
Constitution---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June,
2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned laws in
conformity with present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective, and

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present judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.


( m m ) Control of Narcotic Substances Act (XXVII of 1997)------Ss. 48 & 49---Constitution of Pakistan, Chap.3A o f Part VII & Art.203-DD---Powers and jurisdiction of
Federal Shariat Court---Vires of statute---Section 48 of Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 whereby
the High Court has been empowered to entertain and decide appeals arising out of the orders passed by the
Special Court as well as the power of High Court under section 49 of the Act to transfer cases, at any stage,
from one Special Court to another Special Court are inconsistent with the provisions contained in Chap. 3A
of Part VII of the Constitution---Power to entertain appeals against orders passed or judgments delivered by a
Special Court established under section 48 of the Act in matters related to Hudood offences and other
proceedings including transfer of cases from such court vests in the Federal Shariat Court because offences
related to narcotics are covered by the term Hudood---Word "High Court" occurring in these sections shall be
substituted with the words "Federal Shariat Court"---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration
shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government
to amend the impugned laws in conformity with present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall
cease to be effective and present judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
(nn) Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act (VI of 1006)------S. 25---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Repugnancy to Injunctions of Islam---Section 25 of
Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 is repugnant to Art.203-DD of the Constitution
because it makes Lian a ground for divorce and thereby causes additional and uncalled for hardship to the
"wife" which is contrary to the principle of Ease (Yusr) enunciated by Holy Qur'an--Federal Shariat Court
directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be
taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned laws in conformity with present declaration
whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and present judgment of the Federal Shariat
Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
( o o ) Anti-Terrorism Act (XXVII of 1997)------Sched. Item 2---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Powers and Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court---Vires of statute---According to the amendment effected in item 2 of Sched. of Anti-Terrorism Act,
1997 dated 21-8-1997, the Federal Government in exercise of power vesting in it under section 3 o f the
Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 authorized the Anti-Terrorism Courts to try some categories of offences relating to
Hudood without providing a rider in section 25(i) of the said Act that appeals in cases involving Hudood
offence would lie to the Federal Shariat Court---Said amendment in the Schedule without corresponding
change in S.25(i) offends the constitutional provision contained in Art.203-DD which confers exclusive
jurisdiction upon Federal Shariat Court in cases relating to the enforcement of Hudood---"Any case decided.
by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood" is to be heard and decided by the
Federal Shariat Court alone---Such position is therefore travesty of legal constraint imposed by the
Constitution---No authority is superior to the Constitution---Constitution has to be upheld at all costs--Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which
date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned laws in conformity with
present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and present judgment of the
Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
( p p ) Constitution of Pakistan---

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----Art. 203-DD---Revisional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Scope---Categories of offences


covered by the term "Hudood" as contemplated by Art.203-DD of the Constitution and tribable exclusively
by the Federal Shariat Court under its revisional and appellate jurisdiction.
The following ten categories of offences are inter alia covered by the term Hudood as contemplated by
Article 203-DD of the Constitution and hence within the exclusive appellate and revisional jurisdiction of the
Federal Shariat Court:
(i)

Zina = In all its forms including Adultery, Fornication and Rape.

(ii)

Liwatat= Sexual intercourse against the order of nature;

(iii)

Qazf= Imputation of Zina;

(iv)

Shurb = Alcohlic drinks/Intoxicants/ Narcotics etc;

(v)

Sarqa = Theft simplicitor;

(vi)

Haraaba = It includes Robbery, Highway Robbery, Dacoity and all other categories of offences
against property as mentioned in Chapter XVII of Pakistan Penal Code.

(vii)

Irtidad= Apostacy. It includes all offences mentioned in Chapter XV of the Pakistan Penal Code,
namely: Of Offences Relating to Religion.

(viii)

Baghee =Treason, waging war against State; All categories of offences mentioned in Chapter VI
of the Pakistan Penal Code.

(ix)

Qisas = Right of retaliation in offences against human body. All these offences are covered by
definition Hadd because the penalty therein has been prescribed by Nass/Ijma. [Abdul Qadir
Audah, has discussed to some extent the scope of Hadd in his treatise Al-Tashree ul Jinai al
Islami, Volume 1 at page 119, and

(x)

Human Trafficking.

Appeal or Revision against any order, final or interim, passed by any criminal court under any law with
regard to proceedings connected with or ancillary to or contributing towards commission of any of the abovementioned offences, shall not be entertained by any court other than the Federal Shariat Court. Section 338-F
of the Pakistan Penal Code has, in very clear words, prescribed that in the interpretation and application of its
provisions and in respect of matters ancillary or akin thereto, the court shall be guided by the Injunctions of
Islam as laid down in Holy Quran and Sunnah. The determination of what is in accordance with Injunctions
of Islam is the sole province of Federal Shariat Court and no other court. Additionally all those matters
relating to the Family life of Muslims, for which the term Hadood Allah has been used in Holy Quran are
covered in the abmit of Hudood and hence within the appellate and revisional jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court.
The term "Enforcement of Hudood" encompasses all categories of offences and matters mentioned above.
These offences are included in the scope of the term Hudood wherein the punishments have been prescribed

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by Holy Quran or Sunnah of the Holy Prophet PBUH and subsequently through legislative measures. Such
punishments can be awarded by trial courts duly constituted under law. The term Tazir when applied to any
offence which partakes of the nature of Hudood or is ancillary or akin to or contributing towards commission
of offences covered by the term Hudood or even where the proof prescribed for establishing Hadd is lacking,
would of necessity fall within the ambit of the term Hudood and hence within the jurisdiction of Federal
Shariat Court. Consequently all matters within the parameters of Hudood, including offences in which
cognizance has been taken in any form as stipulated in section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or
under any other law dealing with offences relating to `Hudood', are, for all purposes, enshrined in the
jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court as mandated by the Constitution, which jurisdiction includes, appeal,
revision, review, grant or refusal of bail, transfer of cases, calling and examining record of proceedings, and
applications to quash proceeding initiated before or during trial and all matters ancillary to such cases, at any
stage of investigation, enquiry or trial.
(qq) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-D---Powers, jurisdiction and functions of Federal Shariat Court---Scope--- Examination of vires
of a statute---Vires of an Act are to be examined in the light of the limitations imposed by the Constitution--However if the court finds a law or a provision of law to be inconsistent with constitutional provisions, it is
competent to strike it down to the extent of such inconsistency---Federal Shariat Court is additionally
empowered to examine a law on the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam---Court will therefore keep in mind
three elements: The legislative competence; the touchstone of Fundamental Rights and the yardstick of
Islamic Injunctions---Such an exercise is resorted to not because Judiciary is superior but on account of the
fact that: dignity of law and legal principles have to be maintained; that Constitution has to be upheld and
enforced; that above all the people of Pakistan have to be enabled to live upto the permanent values and
guiding principles enunciated by Islam; and that members of superior judiciary are under oath to do all these
things.
(rr) Constitution of Pakistan------Preamble, Arts. 2A, 31 & Chap.3A, Part VII & Part IX---Legal presumptions based upon various
Injunctions of Islam, the constitutional provisions and the Judge made law enumerated.
Following are the legal presumptions based upon various Injunctions of Islam, the constitutional provisions
and Judge-made law:
(i)

The sole repository of the authority to interpret legal instrument is the court constituted under the
Constitution.

(ii)

Members of the superior judiciary are under oath to uphold the Constitution and the law.

(iii)

The Preamble, Articles 2A and 31, Chapter 3A of Part VII and Part IX of the Constitution make it
incumbent upon the State to create conditions which may enable the Muslim of Pakistan,
individually and collectively, to order their lives in accordance with fundamental principles and
basic concept of Islam and to provide facilities whereby they may be enabled to understand the
meaning of life according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

(iv)

That Holy Quran prohibits very strictly any extra-marital activity between man and woman and is
consequently full of praise for those who shun illicit activity, i.e. those who guard their chastity

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and private parts. Reference Ayat 35 Sura 33, Al-Ahzab and Ayat 29 Sura 70, Al-Ma'arij.
(v)

Human dignity, honour and human life has to be preserved. Laws which protect property of
persons have also to be upheld.

(vi)

Legal provisions are enacted to establish peace, order and balance in the society both at domestic
level and among nations at International level. Reference Ayaat 1 to 6 Sura 83, Al-Taffit; Ayat 38
Sura 2, Al-Baqara; Ayat 55 Sura 24, Al-Noor.

(vii)

Wisdom and saner counsel wherever recorded, according to the well known tradition of the Holy
Prophet PBUH, is the lost treasure of believers and they are exhorted to acquire it as and when
available. In this view of the matter all the legal principles relating to the domain of interpretation
of legal instruments, or reflecting permanent values, from any jurisdiction, if not opposed to the
letter and spirit of Holy Quran and Sunnah, will be considered part of principles of Islamic
Jurisprudence.

(viii)

The Court has to be extremely vigilant on the issue of implementation of the Injunctions of Islam
because a stern warning has been given to those who cover up the Divine Commandments.
Reference Ayah 159, Surah 2, Al-Baqarah:

"Those who conceal anything of the clear teachings and true guidance which We have sent down even though
We have made them clear in Our Book, Allah curses such people and s o do all the cursers."
( s s ) Constitution of Pakistan------Arts. 203-DD & 203-D---Re visional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court---Hudood
Offences---Federal Shariat Court declared that all those offences whose punishments are either prescribed or
left undermined, relating to acts forbidden or disapproved by Holy Quran, Sunnah, including all such acts
which are akin, auxiliary, analogous, or supplementary to or germane with "Hudood" offences as well as
preparation or abetment or attempt to commit such an offence and as such made culpable by legislative
instruments would without fail be covered by the meaning and scope of the term "Hudood"-Federal Shariat
Court directed that present declaration become operative forthwith.
(tt) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD & Chap. 3A of Part VII---Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court under Art.203-DD of the
Constitution---Extent---Federal Shariat Court declared that extent of Jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in
matters relating to the "Hudood" under Art.203-DD is exclusive and pervades the entire spectrum of orders
passed or decisions given by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood and no
other court is empowered to entertain appeal, revision or reference in such cases---No legislative instrument
can control, regulate or amend said jurisdiction which was mandated in Chap. 3A of Part VII of the
Constitution---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration become operative forthwith.
( u u ) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Revisional and other jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in Hudood matters---Scope--"Proceedings" as used in Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Connotation---Bail, grant or refusal of---Federal
Shariat Court declared that an order granting or refusing bail before conclusion of trial in all categories of

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offences within the ambit of Hudood is covered by the word proceedings, as used in Art.203-DD, and hence
within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court and can be impugned only in Federal Shariat
Court---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration become operative forthwith.
(vv) Constitution of Pakistan------Art. 203-DD---Offences covered by the term "Hudood" for the purpose of Art.203-DD of the
Constitution---Federal Shariat Court declared offences of (1) Zina = Adultery, Fornication and Rape; (2)
Liwatat= Sexual intercourse against the order of nature; (3) Qazf= Imputation of Zina; (4) Shurb = Alcohlic
drinks/Intoxicants/Narcotics etc; (5) Sarqa = Theft simpliciter; (6) Haraaba = Robbery, Highway Robbery,
Dacoity. All categories of offences against property as mentioned in Chapter XVII of Pakistan Penal Code;
(7) Irtdad= Apostacy; (8) Baghy =Treason, waging war against State; All categories of offences mentioned in
Chapter VI of the Pakistan Penal Code and (9) Qisas = Right of retaliation in offences against human body.
All these offences are covered by definition Hadd because penalty therein has been prescribed by Nass/Ijnta
(10) Human Trafficking as offences covered by the term "Hudood" for the purpose of Art.203-DD of the
Constitution---Present declaration in the above four items shall take effect immediately because all the
counsel representing the respondents, the jurisconsult as well the amicus curiae, agreed on the said four
issues---Said conclusions having been consented to by the parties need nothing more to be done.
(ww) Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act (VI of 2006)------Ss. 11 & 28---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Vires of Statute---Federal Shariat Court declared
that sections 11 and 28 of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 are violative of
Art.203-DD of the Constitution because these provisions annul the overriding effect of Offence of Zina
(Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 and Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance,
1979---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by
which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned law in conformity
with present declaration whereafter the impugned provisions shall cease to be effective and present judgment
of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
(xx) Control of Narcotic Substances Act (XXV of 1997)------Ss. 48 & 49---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD, Chap. 3A, Part VII---Vires of Statute---Federal
Shariat Court declared that the portions of Ss.48 & 49 of The Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997
whereby the High Court has been empowered to (a) entertain appeals against the order of a Special Court
consisting of a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge and (b) transfer within its territorial
jurisdiction any case from one Special Court to another Special Court at any stage of the proceedings, are
violative of the provisions contained in Chap.3A of Part VII of the Constitution because the offences
envisaged by the Act are covered by the terra "Hudood"-Both the sections are consequently declared violative
of Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Portion which contains the words "High Court" should be deemed to be
substituted by the words "Federal Shariat Court" in Ss.48 & 49 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act,
1997---Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by
which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned law in conformity
with present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and present judgment
of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
(yy) Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act (VI of 2006)---

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----Ss. 25 & 29---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Repugnancy to Injunctions of Islam---Federal


Shariat Court declared that section 25 of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 is
violative of Art. 203-DD of the Constitution as it omits subsections (3) and (4) of section 14 of the Offence of
Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 with the result that it has adversely effected the operation of
Injunctions of Islam relating to Lian; consequently S.29 of Protection of Women (Criminal Laws
Amendment) Act, 2006 is also violative of Art. 203-DD as it adds clause (vii)(a) Lian in S.2 of the
Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939---Said addition in the latter Act also becomes invalid on account
of repugnancy with the Injunctions of Islam relating to Lian---Federal Shariat Court directed that present
declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal
Government to amend the impugned laws in conformity with present declaration whereafter the impugned
provisions shall cease to be effective and present judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as
on 22-6-2011.
(zz) Anti-Terrorism Act (XXVII of 1997)------S. 25---Constitution of Pakistan, Art.203-DD---Offences in cases relating to Hudood---Vires of statute--Federal Shariat Court declared that S. 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 does not make provision for filing
an appeal before the Federal Shariat Court in cases where the Anti-Terrorism court decides a case relating to
some of the Hudood offences included in the Schedule as from 21-8-1997; said omission is violative of
Art.203-DD of the Constitution---Federal Government should rectify this error by the target date fixed by
Federal Shariat Court otherwise the rider to the effect that "but where a private complaint or a First
Information Report or information, as stipulated in 5.190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, relating to an
offence falling within the purview of ten categories of Hudood Offences (mentioned in the present judgment),
is decided by any court exercising criminal jurisdiction under any law of the land, the appeal therefrom shall
lie to the Federal Shariat Court." shall be read at the end of clause (i) of S.25 after omitting the full stops--Federal Shariat Court directed that present declaration shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which
date necessary steps be taken by the Federal Government to amend the impugned laws in conformity with
present declaration whereafter the impugned provision shall cease to be effective and this judgment of the
Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on 22-6-2011.
Mian Abdur Razzaq Aamer, Ch. Muhammad Aslam Ghuman and Abdul Latif Sufi for Petitioners.
Sardar Abdul Majeed, Standing Counsel for Federal Government, Mr. Tariq Ali, Advocate for Federal
Government, Mr. Muhammad Israr, Advocate on behalf of Sardar Abdul Majeed, Standing Counsel, Syed
Hasnain Haider, Advocate for Federal Government and Syed Azmat Ali Bukhari, Standing Counsel for
Federal Government/Attorney General, for Federal Government.
Mr. Shafaqat Munir Malik,' Additional Advocate General, Punjab and Ch. Saleem Murtaza Mughal, Assistant
Advocate General Punjab for the Punjab Province.
Fareed-ul-Hassan, A.A.G., Sindh for the Sindh Province.
Muhammad Sharif Janjua, Advocate on behalf of Advocate General, N.-W.F.P. and Aziz-ur-Rehman,
Advocate on behalf of Advocate-General, Khyber Pakhtoon Khaw for N.-W.F.P./Khyber Pakhtoon Khaw.
Salahuddin Mughal, Advocate General Balochistan, Tariq Ali Tahir, Additional Advocate General
Balochistan, Muhmood Raza Khan, Additional Advocate General Balochitan and Muhammad Sharif Janjua,
Advocate on behalf of Advocate General Balochistan for Balochistan.

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Hafiz Muhammad Tufail and Dr. Muhammad Hussain Akbar, Jurisconsults.


Raja Muqsit Nawaz Khan and Syeda Viquar-un-Nisa Hashmi: Amicus curiae.
Dates of hearing: 29th January. 13th, 25th March, 7th May, 18th November, 2008; 5th, 20th January, 11th
February, 2nd April, 2009; 29th March, 19th April, 17th, 26th May, 5th, 6th July, 26th October and 23rd
November, 2010.

JUDGMENT
SYED AFZAL HAIDER: J . - Those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are indeed the Unbelievers. (5:44)
Those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are indeed the Wrong-doers.(5:45)
And those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are the Transgressors. (5:47)
Then We revealed the Book to you, (0 Muhammad), with Truth, confirming what-ever of the Book was
revealed before, and protecting and guarding over it. Judge, then, in the affairs of men in accordance with
(the commandment) what Allah has revealed. (5:48)
AND
Take whatsoever the Prophet (Muhammad PBUH) gives you and abstain from whatever he forbids and fear
Allah: verily Allah is Most stern in retribution Ayat 7 , Sura 59, Al-Hashr, The Holy Quran
EXHORDIUM
2. This Judgment will dispose of the following three connected Shariat Petitions:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)

Shariat Petition No.1/I of 2010.


Shariat Petition No.3/I of 2007.
Shariat Petition No.1/I of 2007.

Shariat Petition No. 1/I of 2010, at serial number i, seeks to challenge sections 5,6 and 7 of the Protection of
Women Act, 2006 (Act. No.VI of 2006); while Shariat Petition No.3/I of 2007, at serial number ii, impugns
the same sections as well as the entire Act VI of 2006; whereas Shariat Petition No.1/I of 2007, at serial
number iii, calls into question sections 5 and 7 of Act VI of 2006 whereby section 376, 496-B and 496-C
have been added in the Pakistan Penal Code. Act VI of 2006 entitled Protection of Women (Criminal Laws
Amendment) Act, 2006 impugned in these petitions, will be referred to in this judgment as the Act., Three
petitions at serial i, ii and iii were clubbed together by an order of this Court dated 29-3-2010. The order
reads as follows:"According to the office report Shariat Petition No.1 as well as Shariat Petition No.3/I of 2007 was
dismissed for non prosecution on 25-3-2008. The present Shariat Petition No.1/I of 2010 has a nexus

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with the said two petitions. We are inclined to restore the said two Shariat Petitions i.e. Nos.1/I & 3/I
of 2007 to the same numbers so that they are also linked up with this petition for disposal.
Learned counsel inter-alia contends that the addition of new sections 5, 6 and 7 in the Protection of
Women (Criminal Law Amendment) Act, 2006, including the omission of the first proviso to section
20 of Ordinance VII of 1979 is not only repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam but is also violative of
the constitutional provisions contained in Article 203-DD(i). The Federal Shariat Court has, it is
urged, exclusive jurisdiction in any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating to the
enforcement of Hudood
The learned counsel also states that according to the Injunctions contained in Ayat 4 of Sura 24 i.e.
Sura Noor of Holy Quran, every person who indulges in calumny against chaste women looses his
legal capacity to give evidence in any court of law. The points raised are substantial and need
consideration. Admit. Notice. A copy of this order be sent to respondents Nos.1 and 2 with the
direction to file written statements within two weeks. The case be fixed in the third week of April,
2010."
Initially Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004, pending disposal in this court for the last six years, was ordered to be
heard along with the other three petitions as common legal instruments were impugned in these petitions.
Written statement had also been submitted by answering respondents in Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 which
was duly amended in November, 2008 to include simultaneous challenge to the Act. Arguments on all the
four petitions were heard on 16 dates over a period of almost three years. Last date of hearing was
26-10-2010. However on 23-11-2010 petitioner in Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 submitted that he would
not like his case to be bracketed with the other three Shariat Petitions because the point raised by him was. of
"first .impression" and further that during the last fourteen centuries wrong interpretation had been put on the
word Shahadah occurring in Holy Quran. He claimed to be son of Prophet Syedna Yaqub A.S. and claimed
that his interpretation of the Ayaat of Holy Quran will revolutionize the criminal law all over the Muslim
world. His prayer to separate out his petition was not opposed by the answering respondents. Consequently
his request was allowed with a direction to the office to delink Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 with further
direction that his petition be fixed separately at some appropriate time. In this view of the matter this
judgment will dispose of the three other Shariat Petitions mentioned in the title.
CONTENTS OF THREE PETITIONS
3. The points urged in the aforementioned three petitions may be summed up as under:(a) Shariat Petition No.1/I of 2007
Mian Abdur Razzaq Aamer, has through this petition, challenged sections 5 and 7 of the Act which have
added three new provisions i.e, sections 376, 496-B and 496-C relating to Rape and Fornication, in Pakistan
Penal Code. It is contended that the impugned provisions are violative of the Injunctions of Islam.
(b) Shariat Petition No.3/I of 2007
Ch. Muhammad Aslam Ghuman has, through this petition impugned sections 5, 6, 7 of the Protection of
Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 as being repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam.
(c) Shariat Petition No.1/I of 2010

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Mr. Abdul Latif Sufi through this petition has also assailed sections 5, 6, 7 of the Protection of Women
(Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 and prayed that the same be declared to be repugnant to the
Injunctions of Islam and ultra vires the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.
INITIAL DISCUSSION
4. During the course of preliminary arguments learned Counsel for the petitioners inter-alia maintained that:
(a) The introduction of Act. VI of 2006 has adversely affected the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court
though in matters relating to the enforcement of Hudood, the Constitution had conferred exclusive
jurisdiction upon this Court as was evident from Article 203DD of the Constitution;
(b) The practice of moving the Provincial High Courts for grant of pre-arrest or post arrest bails or
cancellation thereof in Hudood matters was illegal as the appellate and revisional jurisdiction in all
Hudood matters vested in the Federal Shariat Court alone;
(c) The appellate and revisional jurisdiction against orders passed or judgments delivered by Special
Court under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (Act No.XXV of 1997) including the
power of transfer of cases from one to another Special Court, exercised by the High Court under
section 49 ibid, has to be with the Federal Shariat Court as offences relating to ' intoxicants are
covered by the scope of the term Hudood;
(d) The meaning and scope of the term Hudood should be elaborated with particular reference to the
number and nature of offences and human affairs i.e, MUAMLAAT, for a proper appreciation of
existing constitutional and legal provisions and future legal instruments;
(e) Since all matters relating to the Muslim family are covered by the term Hudood, so the ultimate
jurisdiction to hear appeals and revisions in such matters should also vest in the Federal Shariat Court
particularly after the introduction of Chapter 3A of Part VII in the Constitution. It was therefore
contended that section 14 and section 25-A of Act XXXV of 1964 be also examined;
(f) The overriding effect given to the Hudood Ordinances has been protected by the Constitution. Act VI
of 2006 cannot limit the extent of jurisdiction which had been guaranteed by the Constitution and
lastly it was urged that and;
(g) They would not press the objections raised in the Shariat Petitions relating to Act VI of 2006
provided matters relating to jurisdiction of this Court and allied question mentioned in the proposed
issues are decided at the first instance.
Learned counsel representing respondents 1 through 5 did not controvert the above mentioned seven
assertions. In fact each one of them agreed that the questions raised were substantial and required in-depth
analysis in the larger interest of justice and development of law. It was urged that the issue of Muslim Family
Law be also examined as the term Hudood as mentioned in Holy Qur'an covers matters relating to family
laws.
However it was not deemed advisable to adjudicate upon a number of legal propositions through this
judgment. Decision on other matters has been left for some future date in appropriated proceedings.

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Consequently the respondents were put on notice that this Court would proceed to examine only a limited
number of provisions contained in the following six legal instruments in view of the statement of petitioners.
(i)

Section 3 of Ordinance VII of 1979

(ii)

Section 19 of Ordinance VIII of 1979

(iii)

Sections 11, 28 and 29 of Act VI of 2006

(iv)

Part VII and provisions relating to Bails occurring in Part IX of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

(v)

Chapters 11 and V of Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997.

(vi)

West Pakistan Family Courts Act, (Section 5 read with Schedule I and II ,and section 14 in
particular as well as sections 14 and 25-A ibid.)

Learned Counsel for respondents were advised to get instructions from respective governments on the
questions raised before us. The learned counsel representing the respondents accepted notice as regards the
above-mentioned subjects and it was then agreed that necessary issues be struck on these specific points in
order to examine the entire gamut of legal provisions as the basic question relating to jurisdiction of this
Court was involved. It was emphatically urged before us that the meaning and scope of the term Hudood
must be determined as this term has not been defined by the Constitution. It was also urged that the purpose
of creating Federal Shariat Court be also examined from different perspectives in order to fully appreciate the
extent of jurisdiction and power of this Court. Consequently the following revised consensus issues were
struck for the purpose of adjudication of basic questions in relation to the subject matter under examination.
CONSENSUS ISSUES
(a) What is the meaning and scope of the term Hudood with particular reference to clause (1) of Article
203-DD of the Constitution?
(b) What is the meaning of the term Jurisdiction and Judicial Power and what is the extent of jurisdiction
of the Federal Shariat Court in matters relating to the enforcement of Hudood under Article 203-DD
of the Constitution?
(c) Can the mandate of Article 203-DD of the Constitution, which confers exclusive jurisdiction upon the
Federal Shariat Court to examine the record of any case decided by any criminal court under any law
relating to the enforcement of Hudood, be nullified by legislative instruments like the Act of 2006;
(d) Are not sections 11 and 28 of the Act violative of Article 203-DD of the Constitution as the
overriding effect of both the Hudood laws, duly fortified by constitutional provisions, has been
repealed?
(e) Can the Federal Shariat Court be barred by a subordinate judicial pronouncement from granting bail
to or cancelling bail of an accused before or during trial for offences covered by the term Hudood?
(f) Are not sections 48 and 49 of Act XXV of 1997 violative of Article 203-DD in so far as the forum of
Appeal and the power to transfer cases provided therein vest in the High Courts and not Federal

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Shariat Court?
(g) Are not sections 25 and 29 of the Act violative of the Injunctions of Islam because the Islamic
provisions of Lian as contained in sub-sections (3) and (4) of Section 14 of Ordinance (VIII of 1979)
have been illegally repealed apart from adding clause (vii)(a) Lian in section 2 of Act VIII of 1939?
(h) How are punishments and offences classified according to Islamic teachings and what categories of
offences are within the ambit of Hudood and hence within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court?
(i)

What is the meaning of Jurisdiction and Judicial Power with particular reference to the Federal
Shariat Court as envisaged by Articles 203-D and 203-DD of the Constitution?

(j) Conclusions;
(k) Declaration by the Court.
It might as well be stated here that except the issues framed above in relation to the specific legal instruments,
we do not propose considering other legal provisions mentioned in the four Shariat Petitions. We are leaving
these provision for future date whenever any questions is raised before the Court.
JURISCONSULTS INVITED
5. In view of the importance of the questions involved we decided to invite jurisconsults to render assistance
to this Court on the above-mentioned questions. As a next step we proceeded to issue notices to the following
jurisconsults:-(i)

Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Tufail

(ii)

Dr. Muhammad Tahir Mansoori

(iii)

Dr. Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar

(iv)

Hafiz Abdur Rehman Madni

(v)

Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman Siddiqui.

Only two jurisconsults responded to our call. Dr. Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar from Lahore submitted
written comments which were placed on record while Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Tufail from Islamabad appeared
personally and apart from submitting written comments also addressed the Court.
6. Raja Muqsat Nawaz Advocate and Ms. Syeda Viquar-un-Nisa Hashmi Advocate appeared to assist the
Court on the aforementioned issues. The lady lawyer was encouraged for the additional reason that a female
human right activist had opted to participate in these deliberations.
WRITTEN RIPOSTE OF RESPONDENTS
7. The Federal Government, respondent No. 1, initially submitted written statement on 15-10-2008. This

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reply was focused on the contents of Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004. However learned counsel submitted that
this very reply be read in other three petitions under consideration. Respondent No.1 finally submitted
additional written comments on 5-7-2010 in which various preliminary objections were raised. These
objections are however not relevant for our discussion as we are not determining the questions relating to the
Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 as agitated in Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004.
8. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of Province of the Punjab also referred to the comments already
submitted in Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 with the request that the same be read as reply in the connected
matters under discussion in this Court. Learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the other three Provinces
stated that they endorse the view point of the Federal Government and own the comments filed in Shariat
Petition No.9/I of 2004. In fact the learned counsel for the respondents, on every date of hearing, stated that
they had nothing else to add. The learned counsel also stated that since the question of construction of various
Injunctions of Holy Quran and Sunnah as well as the question of jurisdiction of this Court was involved in
these cases so they would be seeking guidance from this Court rather than dilating upon or elucidating the
Injunctions of Islam from their end. It was further submitted that they would abide by the decision given
therein. It was however made clear to the learned Counsel of the five answering respondents that the
comments already submitted by them related only to Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 wherein the main thrust
was against Ordinance VII of 1979 but the questions requiring determination in this judgment had been
condensed in the consensus issues.
9. The objection raised by learned counsel for respondent No.1 about the language employed by petitioner in
paragraphs 17, 22, 23 and 25 of his Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 is valid. The objection is upheld. The
office is directed to delete the objectionable lines from the text of the petition. The petitioner is present in
court. He has been told that irrelevant and irresponsible matters should be eschewed in solemn proceedings.
10. Respondent No.2 Province of Balochistan did not file any written comment. Oral arguments were also not
advanced. It was stated by the learned counsel for the Province of Balochistan that the comments submitted
by Federal Government have also been adopted by them.
11. Mr. Aziz-ur-Rehman Khan learned Counsel representing respondent No.3, Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa, in the
written statement dated 17-5-2010 submitted that Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 merits dismissal as it has
raised hypothetical questions.
12. Respondent No.4, Province of the Punjab, in the written comments, submitted in Shariat Petition No.9/I
of 2004, inter-alia raised the preliminary objections that the provinces are not necessary parties and that the
petitioner has completely ignored the Ahadis of Holy Prophet PBUH and that self coined meanings have
been given by the petitioner to various legal provisions which are contrary to judicial pronouncements.
13. Learned counsel for respondent No.4, challenged the petitioner's contention which pertains to Ordinance
VII of 1979. As stated above we are not examining the provisions of that Ordinance. As regards the objection
relating to LIAN; the plea of Province of the Punjab was that "the grounds of divorce are the subject-matter
of Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, therefore the provision relating to lion were deleted from
Hudood Laws and were made part of Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 and the said statutory
amendments have not violated any fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution."
14. Learned counsel for respondent No.5, Province of Sindh, submitted that he had adopted the comments
filed by respondent No.4, Province of the Punjab. However written comments on behalf of Sindh
Government were received only in Shariat Petition No. 9/I of 2004. These comments consist of the three

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following lines:"It is respectfully prayed that the respondent No.5 adopts the comments filed by respondent No.4 in
the above petition".
AREAS OF CONTENTION
15. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of petitioners in other three petitions raised the following
contentions:
(a) That the omission of sections 3, 4, 6, 10, 16, 18, and 19 of Ordinance VII of 1979 and amendments
effected in sections 8, 9, 17 and 20 ibid as well as omissions of sections 10 through 13, 15, 16 and 19
of Ordinance VIII of 1979 and amendments in sections 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 14, 16 and 17 ibid as well as
insertion of new sections in the Pakistan Penal Code by virtue of sections 2 through 8 of Act VI of
2006 and corresponding amendments in Schedule II of the Code of Criminal Procedure is violative of
the Injunctions of Islam.
(b) That the purpose achieved by these amendments was to limit the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat
Court which decided appeals/revisions against conviction/acquittal recorded under Ordinances
Nos.V11 and VIII of 1979 in relation to the offences stipulated originally in the four Hudood
Ordinances. These amendments it is urged, contravene Constitutional provision contained in Article
203-DD apart from being mala fide;
(c) That the words "The High Court" occurring in (i) subsection (3) of section 5, (ii) clause (9) of
subsection (1) of section 14 and the words "the High Court" occurring in clause (1) and the words "the
Supreme Court" occurring in clause 2(b) of section 25(a) of the West Pakistan Family Courts Act,
1964 be substituted for the words "Federal Shariat Court." It was also contended that the provisions of
Muslim Family Laws are covered by the meaning and scope of the term Hudood as is evident from
various Ayaat of Holy Quran.
(d) That subsection (5) may be added in section 14 of the West Pakistan Family Courts Act, 1964 to
empower the Federal Shariat Court to exercise revisional jurisdiction within ninety days over the
appellate orders passed by the District Court in any cases as provided in clause (h) of submission (1)
of section 14 (ibid). A provision be also added to transfer all the appeals, pending in the High Courts,
to the Federal Shariat Court.
(e) That appeals against convictions, recorded under the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (Act
No.XXV of 1997), should lie before the Federal Shariat Court as the sale, purchase, manufacture and
use of narcotics was hit by the mischief of Prohibition as envisaged by Hudood Laws.
(f)

That the practice of invoking the jurisdiction of High Courts in the event of grant or refusal of
pre-arrest and post-arrest bail application during investigation and trial stage was violative of Article
203-DD of the Constitution; and

(g) The scope of the term Hudood is very wide and covers not only all categories of offences relating to
property, human body, human dignity and honour but also family matters of a civil nature. In this
context it was urged that the categories of offences as well as civil matters relating to family life, be
also identified which fall within the ambit of the term Hudood. It was asserted that the purpose of

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creating Federal Shariat Court be also examined, and lastly it was maintained;
(h) That the above mentioned points have been raised additionally for the reason that Article 203-DD of
the Constitution stipulates that the Federal Shariat Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be
conferred on it by or under any law.
As stated above we made it clear to the learned counsel for petitioners as well as petitioner in Shariat Petition
No.9/I of 2004 that this judgment will dispose of the questions enumerated in the consensus issues. Challenge
to the other provisions will be taken up in appropriate proceedings at some other occasion if so required.
16. The Jurisconsult, in addition to the seven pages opinion expressed in the written comments, made the
following submissions:(i)

That the purpose of amending the Hudood Laws through Act VI of 2006 was only to deprive the
Federal Shariat Court of its constitutional jurisdiction;

(ii)

That the amendments introduced in Hudood laws are motivated by extraneous considerations;

(iii)

That the Protection of Women Act, 2006 (Act No.VI of 2006) should be adjudged as being
violative of the Injunctions of Islam;

(iv)

That the scope of the term Hudood is wide enough to cover various categories of offences
affecting human body, property, qazf, honour, including extra-marital activity and

(v)

That the institution of Federal Shariat Court has not only to be preserved but strengthened with
additional power.

17. After hearing contentions of the parties certain questions were posed. Raja Muqsit Nawaz Khan,
Advocate and Syeda Viquar-un-Nisa Hashmi, Advocate as well as the representatives of the parties and the
jurisconsult, in response to the questions posed by the Court on 26-10-2010 agreed that:
(i)

Exclusive Jurisdiction conferred by constitutional provisions can neither be curtailed nor


regulated by subordinate legislation;

(ii)

The determination of meaning and scope of the term Hudood as well as the exercise to identify
the categories of offences and civil matters regarding the life of Muslims which fall in the ambit
of Hudood is the sole preserve of Federal Shariat Court;

(iii)

All the matters connected with or the steps leading upto the commission of offences covered by
Hudood ipso facto fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court;

(iv)

The Federal Shariat Court, as mandated by Article 203-D of the Constitution, is the only forum to
examine any law or provision of law or any custom or usage having the force of law on the touch
stone of Injunctions of Islam; and

(v)

That adjudication upon bail matters in cases covered by Hudood is certainly ancillary to the trial,
appellate and revisional jurisdiction and hence cognizable by Federal Shariat Court.

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18. It may be mentioned here that the second round of arguments in this case was necessitated on account of
the sudden demise of Justice Doctor Mahmood Ahmad Ghazi. The Bench was therefore reconstituted by the
Hon'ble Chief Justice. Fresh notices were issued to the parties for 26-10-2010. The rehearing took place at the
principle seat on 26-10-2010 and also on 23-11-2010. The parties recapitulated briefly the various arguments
already advanced by them along with fresh input which has been duly noted for consideration.
SCOPE OF DISCUSSION
19. Before proceeding to discuss the consensus issue it may be reiterated that out of the four Shariat Petitions,
linked with each other for disposal, Shariat Petition No.9/I of 2004 was delinked on the request of petitioner.
It will be heard separately at some future date. The three remaining Shariat Petitions are being disposed of in
this judgment only on matters enumerated in the consensus issues. Cognizance is not being taken of the other
legal provisions agitated in these petitions. Questions beyond the consensus issues are being left with the
consent of parties for a future date in appropriate proceedings as and when situation arises. I therefore
proceed to analyze and discuss the issues framed with the consent of parties.
ISSUES Nos. (a, and c)
HUDOOD: MEANING AND SCOPE
20. Issues (a) and (c) relates to determination of the meaning and scope of the term Hudood and the nature as
well as extent of the mandate contemplated in Article 203DD. The reason to formulate and discuss these
issues is evident from the text of Article 203DD of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan itself.
The said Article reads as follows:(1) The Court may call for and examine the record of any case decided by any criminal court
under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood for the purpose of satisfying itself as to
the correctness, legality or propriety of any finding, sentence or order recorded or passed by,
and as to the regularity of any proceedings of, such court and may, when calling for such
record, direct that the execution of any sentence be suspended and, if the accused is in
confinement, that he be released on bail or on his own bond pending the examination of the
record.
(2) In any case the record of which has been called for by the Court, the Court may pass such
order as it may deem fit and may enhance the sentence:
Provided that nothing in this Article shall be deemed to authorize the Court to convert a
finding of acquittal into one of conviction and no order under this Article shall be made to the
prejudice of the accused unless he has had an opportunity of being heard in his own defence.
(3) The Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any law".
(Emphasis added)
21. An analysis of Article 203-DD indicates that:
(i)

the Federal Shariat Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to call for and examine the record of;

(ii)

any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating to .F the enforcement of Hudood;

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(iii)

for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of any finding,
sentence or order recorded or passed by and as to the regularity of any proceedings of such Court;

(iv)

the order under examination by the Federal Court or challenged before it may be in the nature of
grant or refusal of bail by the trial Court;

(v)

and the Court may for that purpose call for the record of the case;

(vi)

while so doing the Court may suspend execution of the sentence;

(vii)

direct release on bail or on his own bond if the accused is in confinement pending examination of
record; and further;

(viii)

the Federal Shariat Court may, as a result of examination of record pass such order as it may
deem fit;

(ix)

and may even enhance the sentence subject of course, to notice.

22. It is therefore clear that the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court, mandated by the
Constitution, revolves around the term "the enforcement of Hudood." For this reason we now proceed to
discover the meaning and the scope of the term Hadood as well as Tazir as both the terms have throughout
centuries been employed in the criminal administration of justice in Islamic polity.
23. The word "Hudood" is plural of the word Hadd. Literally the word Hadd means prevention, impediment,
barrier, bounds and limit. In the Holy Quran this word has been used in a very wide sense covering various
aspects of our mundane life. This word occurs a number of times in the sacred texts and with the passage of
time it has acquired the status of a legal term particularly in the field of administration of criminal Justice. It
is now a well recognized component of the chapter relating to crime and punishment in Islamic
Jurisprudence. This term, in its essence, connotes Divine Injunctions which prescribe parameters for human
action in certain spheres of life. These injunctions have consequently the effect of regulating the areas of
human choices and freedoms. There are zones of human activity where the lawgiver has allowed choice or
what may be termed as freedom of action to human beings and in other places the addressee of the
commandment i.e. the obligee is required to strictly follow the mandated provision.
24. The term Hudood finds mention in fourteen different Ayaat of Holy Quran. These Ayaat identify
multifaceted aspects of our mundane existence. In order, therefore, to fully grasp the significance of the term
Hudood, it will be instructive to examine the said 14 Ayaat of Holy Quran as well as the sayings of the Holy
Prophet, PBUH, on the subject. The translation of the related text, from both the sources, is being detailed
below for a proper appreciation of the meaning and scope of the term Hudood. Part A below refers to
Injunctions of Holy Quran while Part thereafter pertains to the traditions of Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Discussion on the meaning and scope of the term Hudood will be undertaken thereafter in Part C entitled
HUDOOD AND TAZIR while concluding deliberation on these issues.
PART -A
QURANIC INJUNCTIONS 25.

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25. Ayah 187 Surah 2 (al-Baqrah) Holy Quran:


"It has been made lawful for you to go in to your wives during the night of the fast. They are your
garment, and you are theirs. Allah knows that you used to betray yourselves and He mercifully
relented and pardoned you. So you may now associate intimately with your wives and benefit from
the enjoyment Allah has made lawful for you, and eat and drink at night until you can discern the
white streak of dawn against the blackness of the night; then (give up all that and) complete your
fasting until night sets in. But do not associate intimately with your wives during the period when you
are on retreat in the mosques. These are the (Hudood Allah) bounds set by Allah; do not, then, even
draw near them. Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to mankind that they may stay away from
evil."
Ayah 229 Surah 2 (Al-Bagrah) of Holy Quran. The term Hudood has been employed four times in this
Ayat:-"Divorce can be pronounced twice: then, either honourable. retention or kindly release should follow.
(While dissolving the marriage tie) it is unlawful for you to take back anything of what you have
given to your wives unless both fear that they may not be able to keep within the bounds set by Allah.
Then, if they fear that they might not be able to keep within the bounds set by Allah, there is no blame
upon them for what the wife might give away of her property to become released from the marriage
tie. These are the bounds set by Allah; do not transgress them. Those of you who transgress the
bounds set by Allah are indeed the wrong-doers."
iii. Ayah 230 Surah 2 (Al-Bagarah) of Holy Quran. The term Hudood has been used twice here:-"Then, if he divorce her (for the third time, after having pronounced the divorce twice), she shall not
be lawful to him unless she first takes another man for a husband, and he divorces her. There is no
blame upon them if both of them return to one another thereafter, provided they think that they will be
able to keep within the bounds set by Allah. These are the bounds of Allah which He makes clear to a
people who have knowledge (of the consequences of violating those bounds)".
iv. Ayaat 1 through 12, 13 and 14 Surah 4 (An-Nisa) of Holy Quran:-Ayaat I through 12 deal with:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

equality of human beings;


handing over of property to orphans;
marriage with orphan girls;
mandatory bridal gift;
guardianship of mentally efficient persons;
inheritance shares and division of estate;
Zihar and Divorce.

"These are the bounds set by Allah. Allah will make him who obeys Allah and His Messenger enter the
Gardens beneath which rivers flow. He will abide there for ever. That is the mighty triumph."
"And he who disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses the bounds set by Him - him shall Allah
cause to enter the Fire. There he will abide. A humiliating chastisement awaits him."

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v. Ayah 97 Surah 9 (At-Taubah) of Holy Quran:-"The Bedouin Arabs surpass all in unbelief and hypocrisy and are most likely to be un-aware of the
limits prescribed by Allah in what He has revealed to His Messenger. Allah is All-knowing,
All-Wise."
vi. Ayah 112 Surah 9 (At-Taubah) of Holy Quran:"Those who constantly turn to Allah in repentance, who constantly worship Him, who celebrate His
praise, who go about the world to serve His cause, prostrate them-selves before Him, who enjoin what
is good and forbid what is evil, and who keep the limits set by Allah. Announce glad tidings to such
believers."
vii. Ayah 4 Surah 58 (Al-Mujadalah) of Holy Quran:-"And he who does not find a slave (to free),shall fast for two months consecutively before they may
touch each other, and he who is unable to do so shall feed sixty needy people. All this is in order that
you may truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. These are the bounds set by Allah; and a grievous
chastisement awaits the unbelievers."
viii. Ayah 1 Surah 65 (At-Talaq) of Holy Quran. The term Hudood has been used twice in this Ayah:
" O Prophet, when you divorce women, divorce them for their waiting-period, and compute the
waiting period accurately, and hold Allah, your Lord, in awe. Do not turn them out of their homes
(during the waiting period) nor should they go away (from their homes) - unless they have committed
a manifestly evil deed. Such are the bounds set by Allah; and he who transgresses the bounds set by
Allah commits a wrong against himself. You do not know: may be Allah will cause something to
happen to pave the way (for reconciliation)."
26. In the above mentioned Nusoos of Holy Quran, the term Hudood has been clearly and explicitly used in
the sense of commandments or injunctions ordained by Allah. These injunctions have to be enforced in a
Muslim society. The significant thing to be noted is that the term Hudood stands doubly sanctified because it
has been specifically termed as Hudood Allah. It signifies that these limits have been prescribed by Allah.
This is a reminder in the peculiar style of Holy Quran because as Creator of human specie He has honoured
every human being with valuable freedoms which according to His Command have to be protected in the
larger interests of human welfare, amity and peaceful social conditions. Though the entire Holy Quran is, no
doubt, a revelation from Allah, yet the reason for relating this particular term to His Own Self was to make it
emphatically clear, particularly to the agencies assigned the task of promulgation and implementation of laws
and administration of justice, that utmost care has to be observed in matters relating to adjudication of human
rights in an Islamic society because any violation of these rights would be tantamount to transgressing the
limits prescribed by sacred texts. It is in this sense that the protect of human rights has to be appreciated
because violation thereof has been made cognizable as Hudood offences by Holy Quran.
27. Ayah 103 Surah 10, Younas, of Holy Quran contains a Divine Commitment that Allah will save the
believers but at the same time Ayah No.95 of the same Surah warns the believers not to be among those who
defy the Ordinances of Allah because such rejecters shall be losers in the end. This is what is repeated in
Ayah 47 Surah 30, Ar-Rum of Holy Quran which declares that Allah shall help the believers but this Divine

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indulgence is subject to their obedience and compliance with Injunctions of Islam. Ayah 182 Surah,
'Al-Aaraf, repeats the warning in the following words:-"We lead them (the rejecters of Divine Commandments) step by step to an end (whose condition they
know not)"
It is pertinent to refer to yet another principle enunciated in Ayah 42 Surah 8, Al-Infaal, of Holy Quran. This
is a principle of universal significance. It states:"That who perished might perish by a clear proof and he who survives might survive by a clear
proof."
PART-B
SUNNAH OF HOLY PROPHET PBUH
28. Detailed below are the traditions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) wherein the term Hadood finds mention:
(I would not feel sorry for one who dies because of receiving a legal punishment, except the drunk.)
(Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood,Vol. VIII, Hadith No. 769)
(They used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich)
Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood, Vol. VIII, Hadith No. 778. Traditions No.1916,1917 volume 2
Sahih Muslim report the same tradition on the authority of other companions. Tradition No.967
volume 3 Sunan Abdu Daud also narrates on the authority of another companion.
(Do you intercede (with me) to violate one of the legal punishment of Allah.)
(Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood,Vol. VIII, Hadith No. 779)
("O 'Allah's Apostle! I have committed a legally punishable sin please inflict the legal punishment on
me.) Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood, Vol. VIII, Hadith No. 812)
(Nobody should be flogged more than ten stripes except if he is guilty of a crime the legal punishment
of which is assigned by Allah.) Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood, Vol. VIII, Hadith No. 831)
(No. punishment exceeds the flogging of the ten stripes except if one is guilty of a crime involving a
legal punishment prescribed by Allah.) (Sahih al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood, Vol. VIII, Hadith No.
832).
(Do not flog anyone more than ten stripes except if he is involving Allah's legal punishment. ") (Sahih
al Bukhari, Kitab al Hudood,Vol. VIII, Hadith Nos. 833, 1744, 1745 and 1746. This tradition has also
been reported at serial No.1966 volume 2, Sahih Muslim. Tradition No.1078 volume 3 Abu Daud has
also narrated on the authority of other companions.)
viii. Traditions Nos.969 and 970 Sunan Abu Daud are to the effect that faults of good people may be forgiven
except Hudood; and

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ix. Tradition No.1976 volume 3 Sunan Abu Daud contains the commandment that Hadd punishment be not
inflicted in Mosques.
29. The scope of Hudood is the prohibitions imposed by Allah or His Apostle PBUH. The sanctity attached to
Divine prohibition is best I illustrated by the following tradition recorded in Sahih Muslim in KitabulMasoqat, Bab Akhz ul Halal wa Tarkat Shubahat, contains the following Tradition.
(Nu'man b. Bashir (Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Allah's Messenger (May peace b
upon him) as having said this (and Nu'man pointed towards his ears with his fingers): what is lawful
is evident and what is unlawful is evident, and in between them are the things doubtful which many
people do not know. So he who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour
blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful 'things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as
shepherd who pastures his animals round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king
has a pasture (preserve) and the pasture (exclusive domain) of Allah is His Ordinance of prohibition.
Beware, in the body there is a piece of flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt
the whole body is corrupt, and hearken it is the heart.
PART C
HUDOOD AND TAZIR
30. The term Hadd and its plural Hudood, as used in the above mentioned traditions of the Prophet of Islam
(PBUH), indicates that it has been employed in the sense of punishment prescribed by the Messenger of
Allah (PBUH). The essence of the well known Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) reported in Sahih
Bukhari, and other authorities is that:
"Earlier nations had perished simply because punishment (Hadd) was imposed only when a lowly
commoner had committed a crime but influential persons were spared the agony of punishment."
In this Hadith, the term Hadd very clearly refers to the general punishments for different categories of
offences. This aspect establishes, in turn, that the word Hadd in the administration of criminal justice in an
Islamic society includes (any) specific punishment awarded or prescribed under or in pursuance of an
Injunction of Holy Quran or Sunnah. It may be profitable to refer to a Tradition quoted by Hazrat Umar R.A.
recorded by Muslim as Hadith No.269 in Kitab Salat ul Musafareen wus Qasarha. According to this report
many nations were exalted because they followed the ordinances prescribed in the Book while many nations
perished on account of non-observance of Divine edicts.
31. The Muslim jurists, during the period when the judicial system was evolving in the light of and on the
foundation of the teachings of Islam, deemed it expedient to classify punishments on the basis of proof and
the nature of proof for proper and effective administration of justice. This reasoning was based upon sacred
text because Holy Quran in addition to prescribing penalty also made reference to the nature of proof. This
classification provided guidelines to the judges who were assigned the task of holding trials of different kinds
of offences. These offences entailed punishments prescribed by Holy Quran, Sunnah, as well as any
punishment prescribed by State in .matters related with Hudood or ancillary or akin thereto. The first category
was called Hadd par excellence, while the latter came to be known as Tazir. The purpose of assigning a new
title to the latter category of punishment was only to emphasize the standard and immutable nature of the
punishments under the title Hudood, as ordained by Holy Quran and Sunnah.

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32. This classification of punishments into Hadd and Tazir was made primarily for pedagogical purposes. This
classification was never meant to be taken to limit the wider scope of the term Hudood. The Sunnah provides
ample evidence to establish the broad space the term Hadd commands, as is evident also from the sayings of
the Holy Prophet (PBUH) quoted in Part-B supra. This classification of punishments into Hadd and Tazir
cannot be separated administratively or dissociated at academic level. This is because punishments are
interrelated and provisions dealing with one crime and its consequent punishment is dove-tailed with other
punishments related to the same matter or same transaction. A person may be found guilty of multiple crimes
in the same episode. Similarly if the standard of proof required in a particular category of offence is not
forthcoming but the facts and circumstances of the case are a conclusive pointer towards, the guilt of the
accused, then punishment by way of tazir in a matter relating to Hudood or akin thereto may be awarded. In
such a situation it is not practicable to remand the case for a fresh trial to a court specially created only to
award Tazir punishment. Similarly it would be futile to prosecute an accused under parallel laws in separate
jurisdictions or under two parallel systems. This is neither judicially viable nor is it in the interest of justice.
Such a thing would work to the serious disadvantage of accused and would certainly be a source of delay,
irritation, unnecessary embarrassment as well as uncalled for harassment for the accused. The witnesses for
the prosecution will suffer equally on account of multiple litigation. This methodology of altering the finding
while maintaining or reducing the sentence is now a universally recognized principle which finds mention in
the criminal jurisprudence of Pakistan in the shape of sections 423(i) and 439 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure.
33. It will thus be appreciated that it is because of sanctity of human body that punishment is inflicted only
when transgression takes place. Islam therefore proposes punishments in certain cases to set a precedent that
whenever a penalty is to be proposed in future, in the uncovered field, it must have legal sanction i.e, it must
be prescribed by an authority competent to impose the punishment. It is in this situation that the penalty can
become a legal punishment which in turn will be covered by the term Hadd/Hudood. Reference the principle
of Hablin minum Nass as enunciated in Ayat 112 Sura 3, Ale-Imran of Holy Quran.
34. This explains the reason why the jurists enlisted a limited category of offences within the scope of the
term Hadood. It is meaningful to note that the chapters dealing with Hudood in the juristic literature relating
to Hadith and Fiqh do not deal exclusively with offences whose punishment has been fixed by Holy Quran,
Sunnah or Consensus. The unequivocal mass of traditions and consequent legal opinion of jurists as well as
the judge made law, spread over centuries, deal with all kinds of punishments whether ordained_ by Holy
Quran, Sunnah, Ijma or enforced by temporal authority through the instrument of State, judicial hierarchy and
legal experts. It is therefore abundantly clear that any federal or provincial law which authorizes any court,
other than Federal Shariat Court, to exercise appellate/revisional jurisdiction in matters relating to or akin to
Hudood would be violative of Article 203-DD of the Constitution and every decision or order passed by such
a court would be coram non judice. The term tazir, whenever applied in relation to the offences which partake
of Hudood offences or are analogous to or auxiliary or supplementary to Hudood offences would also be
covered within the scope and definition of Hudood. The reason is obvious: Had the requisite evidence,
prescribed for Hadd, been made available to the prosecution in relation to a matter which, for some reason,
has to be treated as a tazir case or in another situation had the impugned action been completed, that would
have certainly been dealt with and punished as a Hadd case.
35. I am consequently of the considered view that all those acts, preparatory or otherwise, which contribute
towards the commission of a Hadd crime, for which specific punishment has not been provided in Shariah,
also becomes cognizable as a Hadd offence. All tributary streams leading to the reservoir of Haraam have
been plugged by Islam. The term La Taqrabu i.e., do not even go near: has been used by Holy Quran at number

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of places in relation to Hudood. Ayat 15 Sura 6, Al-Anam says:-And do not even draw near Al-Fawahish (the shameful things) be they open or secret.
All extra-marital sexual relationships, sodomy, nudity, false accusations of unchastity, and taking a woman as
a wife who had been married to one's father, are specifically reckoned as "shameful deeds." According to
Hadith, theft, taking intoxicating drinks and begging have been characterized as Fawahish, like several other
brazenly indecent acts.
Man is required to abstain from them both openly and in secret Ayat 32 Sura 17, Bani Israeel may also be
perused in this context:
Do not even approach Fornication for it is an outrageous act, and an evil way.
Ayah 43, Surah 4, An-Nisa directs the believers not to draw near to the Prayer while they are intoxicated.
36. The words used in Article 203-DD are: "relating to the enforcement of Hudood." Like the words "in
respect of" or "with reference to" employed in some statutes, these words have a wider meaning and
connotation. The words "relating to" includes all those matters which pertain to the realm of preparation,
intention, attempt and all conceivable steps taken towards the commission of an offence. Such steps and
actions on fulfillment, have the potential of being covered by the penalty of Hudood if the requisite evidence,
prescribed for proof of Hadd, is made available. Short of that proof the action complained of becomes
punishable as tazir for an offence which is of the specie of Hadd. Tazir punishment is in lieu of Hadd and is
not the consequence of a separate category of offence.
37. The basic reason for retaining the offence of fornication etc. in the Hudood Laws of 1979 was that Tazir
as punishment is invariably awarded in such cases because the proof in these offences depends either upon
circumstantial evidence or upon production of less than four adult male Muslim witnesses without
undergoing the process of Tazkia al Shahood. Such an eventuality presupposes that the case is either of the
category of circumstantial evidence or less than the required oral testimony. There may be no direct evidence
which however would not be conclusive proof that the offence of Zina had not taken place. It is the mode and
manner of proof of the offence alone that determines whether the punishment has to be awarded as Hadd or
Tazir. An occurrence of rape, brought to the notice of the Holy Prophet PBUH, was decided on the solitary
statement of the victim and the punishment provided for Hadd was awarded even though the case fell clearly
under the category what we now call Tazir. It therefore follows that whether it is a case of consensual extramarital sexual activity, or rape or incestuous adultery or any related pursuit ancillary and akin to or leading
upto extra-marital sexual activity, the investigation, enquiry or trial of such a matter is covered within the
scope of the term enforcement of Hadd and hence in the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court.
38. A legal instrument which bars a court from taking cognizance of offences or hearing appeals and
revisions not only affects the jurisdiction of the court but seriously jeopardizes the fundamental right of an
aggrieved person to have access and recourse to speedy justice. Jurisdiction conferred by a constitutional
provision cannot be erased by ordinary piece of legislation. It is an accepted principle of law that jurisdiction
of superior court cannot be taken away except by express words. In particular a jurisdiction or power
conferred by constitutional apparatus can be taken away only through an express constitutional amendment
and nothing short of that. An ordinary statute cannot take away powers of a superior court conferred by
Constitution. Such a statute is ex-facie discriminatory.

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39. On the civil side the term Hudood includes


(a) Marital life,
(b) the mandatory bridal gift commonly known in our country as Haq-e-Mehr,
(c) Inheritance,
(d) Guardianship of person and property of minors and persons with defective legal capacity,
(e) Marriages (in particular polygamy),
(f) Divorce including Khula and Ziher and
(g) Inheritance.
From amongst these matters we have taken suo motu notice only of sections 5, 14 and 25A of West Pakistan
Family Courts Act, 1964 as well as section 29 of Act VI of 2006 whereby new clause vii a, liar: has been
added in section 2 of the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939.
40. In this view of the matter it is being held that those offences, whose punishment was either prescribed or
left undetermined but it relates to acts forbidden or made cognizable by Holy Quran, Sunnah, Consensus or
by subsequent legislative instruments including all those acts which according to the Statute Book of Pakistan
are akin, auxiliary, analogous or supplementary to or germane with Hudood offences including preparation or
abetment or attempt to commit such offences, would, without fail, fall within the meaning and scope of the
term Hudood. Proceeding arising out of a private complainant, crime report registered with police as F.I.R.,
information laid before a Magistrate by a person other than a police officer or upon its motion by a judicial
officer or judicial proceedings arising out of an interim order or final verdict of acquittal or conviction in
relation to an offence covered by the term Hudood, whether in the form of an appeal, revision or reference,
would fall within the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court. The category of offences that are covered by the
term Hudood will be determined in detail while discussing issue (h) in this judgment. It may be stated here
that the fact that legislation in Muslim societies in the uncovered field has been made permissible as is
evident from the principle Hablin Min un Naas enunciated in Ayat 112 of Sura 3 Ale Imran. The word Habal
does not only mean rope but it also means Command and mandate. The State is therefore competent to
promulgate laws to implement and enforce Injunctions of Islam.
ISSUE No. (d)
OVERRIDING CLAUSES OMITTED
41. Section 11 of Act VI of 2006 has omitted section 3 of Ordinance VII of 1979. Section 3 before repeal
read as follows:-- .
3. Ordinance to override other Laws.---The provision of this Ordinance shall have effect
notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,"
Section 28 of the said Act has omitted the similar text contained in section 19 of Ordinance VIII of 1979.
Both the omitted sections had given overriding effect to the provisions of Ordinances VII and VIII of 1979.

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These were Non-obstante clauses which had created exceptions. This protective cover to the Hudood Laws of
1979 was further strengthened by Chapter 3A, Part VII of the Constitution which had introduced Article
203-A in the Constitution from 26`h May, 1980. Thereafter Article 203-DD in the present form, was
incorporated in the Constitution in the year 1982. Section 3 and section 19 of the said two Hadood
Ordinances thus acquired constitutional protection which could not have been repealed/omitted or even
amended by Act VI of 2006. Moreover the effect of sections 11 and 28 of the Act is to curtail the
constitutional jurisdiction guaranteed in Article 203-DD of the Constitution and this step cannot be legally
undertaken through ordinary legislation. The effect of constitutional protection can be altered only through
constitutional amendment and not otherwise. As a result thereof the introduction of sections 11 and 28 of the
Act is an unwarranted inroad in the legislative domain and consequently an unlawful interference in the
enforcement of Hudood. Hence it is being held to be repugnant to the Constitution as well as Injunctions of
Islam. Section 3 of Ordinance VII of 1979 and section 19 of Ordinance VIII of 1979 shall be deemed not to
have been repealed and are hereby declared as valid and essential part of the two Hudood laws.
ISSUE NO. (e)
JURISDICTION IN BAIL MATTERS
42. Bail matters in Hudood cases, during investigation or during trial, are initially decided by the Court of
Sessions which is seized of the matter. An order granting or refusing bail was, as per practice after 1980,
challenged before the High Courts. The reason for not moving the Federal Shariat Court, the Court which had
appellate and revisional jurisdiction in all Hudood cases, was the existence of a judgment delivered by a
learned single Judge of the Lahore High Court in the case of Muhammad Rafiq and others Versus The State,
PLD 1980 Lahore 708 at page 718 wherein the extent of jurisdiction of the High Court under section 498,
Cr.P.C. in matters relating to Hudood offence was discussed. It was held that jurisdiction of the High Court
was not ousted by any specific provision or by necessary intendment. The learned single Judge had
essentially relied upon the erstwhile text of Article 203-DD of the Constitution which, on 8th September
1980 i.e., the date of announcement of the said High Court single judge judgment, was to the following
effect:
"The Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any law."
This Article was, however, substantially amended subsequently. The amended text, reproduced in an earlier
paragraph of this judgment, was introduced in the Constitution with effect from 22nd March 1982 by virtue
of Constitution (Second Amendment) Presidential Order No.5 of 1982 whereby the above-mentioned original
text of Article 203-DD was retained as clause three in the amended Article 203-DD. Consequently this
precedent, on account of the said constitutional amendment of a later date lost its relevance as from 22nd
March, 1982. The case of Muhammad Rafique, supra, ought to have been revisited in the light of the
constitutional amendment. It was not done. Anyhow it is being over-ruled now to make thing clear. The
ouster of jurisdiction particularly of a superior court has to be stated in very clear terms. The jurisdiction
vesting in a court by virtue of constitutional provisions undoubtedly stands at a higher level. It cannot be
curtailed by routine legislation. Moreover the constitutional bar mandated by Article 203-G of the
constitution needs careful consideration. According to this Article "no court or tribunal including the
Supreme Court and a High Court, shall entertain any proceedings or exercise any power or jurisdiction in
respect of any matter within the powers or jurisdiction of the court". The word used in this Article is
"proceedings". This word has been interpreted in the case of Zahoor Elahi Versus State PLD 1977 SC 273
wherein it was held that "proceedings" do not mean proceedings which have already been concluded. The
word "proceedings" includes all matters connected with or ancillary to the trial of a person charged before a

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special tribunal including the matters relating to grant of bail. It was further found that when "proceedings"
conclude, they result in an "order" or "sentence". In this context it is worth mentioning that Article 203-DD
has employed the following four words:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

finding,
sentence,
order and
proceedings.

The word order includes both final and interlocutory order (p.310 of the said report). Since an order,
whether final or otherwise, of the Sessions Court, trying a Hudood matter, can be challenged under
constitutional provision before the Federal Shariat Court alone, the remedy to move the Federal Shariat
Court by way of appeal was consequently made available under Hudood laws to a person aggrieved of
an order of trial court. He could file an appeal against final order and a revision in certain other matters
before the Federal Shariat Court because the Sessions Court was holding or had held the trial relating
to Hudood offence. It may be profitable also to refer again to page 313 of the said report wherein it was
held that the jurisdiction conferred upon the courts by Constitution overrides all laws. Reliance was
placed on the case of Malik Ghulam Jilani Versus Government of Pakistan PLD 1967 Supreme Court
373 and Government of Pakistan Versus Begum Agha Abdul Karim Shorish Kashmiri PLD 1969 SC
14. It can therefore be rightfully stated that the power exercised by the Federal Shariat Court under the
Constitution overrides all laws. Article 203A states that the provisions of Chapter 3A of Part VII of
Constitution shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained even in the Constitution.
43. The matter of bail is related with the offence. Bail is applied for by an accused only when an
offence is alleged to have been committed. If an offence is covered by Hudood the trial takes place
under the law relating to Hudood. The appeal or revision in such proceedings is therefore within the
cognizance of Shariat Court. The order of grant or refusal to grant in such offence is therefore part of
proceedings of trial of Hudood cases and hence cognizable by Federal Shariat Court alone.
44. As a consequence of what has been stated above issue (e) is answered in the negative. The result of
the discussion is that an order on an application for grant or refusal of bail by trial court in all
categories of offences within the ambit of Hudood is covered by the term proceedings, as employed in
Article 203 DD and hence within the scope of the term "any case", "any criminal court" and "under any
law" and therefore can be impugned only before the Federal Shariat Court which hat the exclusive
jurisdiction in all sorts of matters related with enforcement of Hudood. No other court, including a High
Court, will, in future, entertain proceeding relating to bail in offences covered by the term Hudood.
ISSUE NO.(f)
STATUS OF ACT XXV OF 1997
45. Sections 9, 48, 49 and 51 of the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (Act XXV of 1997) are
also under consideration of this Court. The reason for examining these provisions is because of the fact
that cultivation of narcotic plants or possession, sale, purchase, use, import; export, and manufacture of
narcotics is covered by the term Hudood as all categories of intoxicants are prohibited on account of
Injunctions of Islam. A larger Bench of this Court in the case of Muhammad Aslam Khaki v.
Federation of Pakistan PLD 2010 FSC 191 at page 205 (Paragraphs 18 and 19) held as under:--

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"It may be mentioned that though the word "Khamr" which was normally used for wine,
literally means what obscures the intellect and thus it includes other intoxicant drinks made
from wheat, barely, raisins and honey. The Prophet (PBUH) extended the prohibition of wine etc. to
all intoxicants, in any form. In this regard we find innumerable categorical statements from the
Prophet (PBUH) mentioned in so many Traditions. (See Bukari, `Wudu', 71 `Maghazi', 60,
`Ashribah', 4, 10, `Adab', 8, `Ahkam', 22, Muslim, `Ashribah' 67-9; Abu Daud, `Ashribah', 5,
71; Ibn Majah, `Ashribah', 9, 13, 14; Darimi, `Ashribah', 8,9; Muwatta", `Dahayat', 8: Ahmed b.
Hanbal, Musnad, Vol. 1, pp. 274, 289, 350, Vol. 2, pp. 16, 158, 171, 185, 329, 501; Vol. 3,
pp.66, 112, 119, 361, Vol. 4, pp. 4, pp.41, 416; Vol. 6, pp. 36, 71, 72, 97, 131 and 226-Ed).
(Emphasis added)
As stated above, the Prophet (PBUH) further enunciated the following principles:
(a) whatever causes intoxication when used in large quantity is prohibited, even in a small (sic).
(b) If a large quantity of something causes intoxication, to drink even a palmful of it is
prohibited; (See Abu Daud, `Ashribah', 5; Ibn Majah, Ashribah;, 10; Ahmed B. Hambal,
Musnad, Vol. 2, pp.167, 179 and Vol.3, p. 343-Ed)."
Section 2(s) and (t) of Act XXV of 1997 defines "narcotic drug" and "opium." Section 4 through
section 9 as well as setions 48, 49 and 51 of this Act make provision as follows:(i)

Section 4: Prohibition of cultivation of narcotic plants;

(ii)

Section 5: Punishment for contravention of section 4;

(iii)

Section 6: Prohibition of Possession of narcotic drugs etc.

(iv)

Section 7: Prohibition of import or export of narcotic drugs etc.

(v)

Section 8: Prohibition on trafficking or financing the trafficking of narcotic drugs etc.

(vi)

Section 9: Punishment for contravention of sections 6, 7 and 8;

(vii)

Section 48: Appeal;

(viii)

Section 49: Transfer of cases;

(ix)

Section 51: No bail to be granted in respect of certain offences;

Section 48 states that an appeal against the order of a Special Court comprising a Sessions Judge or an
Additional Sessions Judge shall lie to the High Court whereas section 49 ibid confers the power to transfer
(within its territorial jurisdiction) a case from one Special Court to another Special Court. It has already been
held 'in this judgment exclusive jurisdiction was conferred upon Federal Shariat Court in all matters relating
to enforcement of Hudood under Article 203DD of the Constitution. Chapter 3A in Part VII of the
Constitution relates to the Federal Shariat Court. The first Article of this Chapter is non obstante in nature.
Article 203G states that "no court or tribunal including Supreme Court and a High Court shall entertain any
proceedings or exercise any power or jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the power or jurisdiction in

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respect of any matter within the power or jurisdiction of the Court."


46. Section 48 ibid provides that an appeal against conviction by a Special Court would lie in the High Court.
But offences relating to narcotics/intoxicants falls within the ambit of Hudood. This is an anomalous position
and not capable of rational justification. This incongruous aspect is well illustrated in the case of Muhammad
Boota and others v. The State 2002 YLR 1142, decided by a Division Bench of the Lahore High Court on an
appeal against conviction recorded by Special Court Sargodha constituted under the Anti-Terrorism Act,
1997 when the charge framed was for abduction and Zina bil Jabr under section 10(4) read with section 11 of
Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, VII 1979. The offences in this case are obviously
related to Hudood but the appeal against the final judgment delivered by Special Court ATA, Sargodha was
moved before the High Court under section 25 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The appeal had in-fact to be filed
before the Federal Shariat Court because Constitution has conferred exclusive jurisdiction upon Federal
Shariat Court in all Hudood related offense. The Federal Government, however in exercise of its power under
section 34 of Act XXVII of 1997, amended the Schedule vide Notification No.SRO 663(i)/97 dated
21-8-1997 and brought certain Hudood offences within the jurisdiction of the Special Court without
corresponding amendment in section 25 of Act XXVII of 1997 by adding a proviso that appeals in Hudood
matters would lie before the Federal Shariat Court. This omission violated the constitutional provision
contained in Article 203-DD. In this view of the matter it becomes crystal clear that the offences relating to
narcotic drugs are within the purview of Hudood and consequently an order, final or interim including grant
or refusal of bail, passed by any court, special or ordinary, under any law, regarding an offence relating to
Hudood is within the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court and no other court, including a High Court, has
the power to entertain bail matter or an appeal or revision in any such matter. Consequently the text of
sections 48 and 49 of Act XXV' of 1997 has now to be suitably amended to restore jurisdiction of Federal
Shariat Court in matters relating to enforcement of Hudood. No legal instrument, other than constitutional
amendment, as stated earlier, can limit or ignore the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court mandated
under Article 203-DD of the Constitution. Similarly if an offence of the nature of Hudood is tried under
Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (Act No. XXVII of 1997) the appeal in all such cases under section 25 of Act
XXVII of 1997 or for that matter bail under section 21-D ibid shall lie before the Federal Shariat Court and
not a High Court. Consequently the following two steps will have to be taken to set the matter right:-a. words Federal Shariat shall be substituted for the words High Court occurring in Sections 48(i) and
49(i) of Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (Act XXV of 1997) and
b. a rider will have to be put in section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (Act XXVII of 1997) to
state that appeal in cases relating to Hudood shall lie to the Federal Shariat Court. Any order, interim
or final, passed by a Terrorist Court constituted under Act XXVII of 1997, in relation to a Hadd
offence, shall be appealable or revisable only before the Federal Shariat Court. The wordings of
section 25 Act XXVII of 1997 should be suitably amended to make it clear that a High Court shall
have jurisdiction in all cases under the Act except Hudood matters. The above findings shall become
operative after the specified period. The basic reason is that no legal instrument other than a
Constitutional provision can limit the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court.
47. In this view of the matter and for reasons recorded under Issues (a) through (d) as well, this issue is
answered in the affirmative. Sections 48 and 49 of Act XXV of 1997 and section 25 of Act XXVII of 1997
are hereby held to be violative of Article 203-DD to the extent that R the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat
Court is ousted in matters relating to grant of bail or hearing appeals or ordering transfer of cases from one
court to another court in cases registered or charged with Hudood offences.

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ISSUE NO.(g)
LIAN
48. Section 25 of the Act has repealed subsections (3) and (4) of section 14, Ordinance VIII of 1979 and
section 28 of the Act adds clause (vii a) Lian in section 2 of the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939.
Both the interpolations have altered the legal composition of the institution of Lian which developed on the
basis of express injunctions of Holy Quran contained in Ayaat 4 through 9 of Surah 24, An-Nur. Section 14 of
Ordinance VIII of 1979 had in fact given legislative effect to an Injunction of Islam. The effect of repealing
subsections (3) and (4) of Section 14 of Ordinance VIII of 1979 is to stifle the operation of an Injunctions of
Holy Quran relating to the enforcement of Hudood which is not only repugnant to the injunctions contained
Ayaat 44, 45 and 47 of Surah 5 and Surah An-Nur but is also a clear violation of Article 203DD of the
Constitution. Similarly section 28 of the Act becomes repugnant to the Quranic Injunctions because as soon
as the Tian proceedings conclude the following results ensue:
(i)

the husband is not liable for punishment for 'making false accusation,

(ii)

the wife is absolved of the calumny and

(iii)

on account of such a serious breach between the couple, the court without further proof or
additional proceedings, declares the marriage to be dissolved with all legal consequences of a
valid divorce.

49. It is time that attention is paid to the style in which Surah An-Noor was revealed. It opens with the words:
"This is a Sura which
WE have revealed and the
Ordinance which
WE have Made obligatory
The emphasis on the mode and style of revelation lends added importance to the injunctions contained in the
Surah. This is extra-ordinary way adopted by Holy Quran. Like Shirk the illicit sex and false accusation,
against chaste woman have been dealt with seriously. Even though the whole of Quran is Divine Revelation
yet the revelations in Surah Nur have been specifically declared as His revelation. In this view of the matter
the repeal effected by the Act is in utter violation of the Injunctions of Islam as mentioned above.
ISSUE NO.(h)
CLASSIFICTION OF PUNISHMENTS AND OFFENCES COVERED BY HADOOD
50. This issue deals with categories of punishment that can be awarded under Islamic Jurisprudence. This
issue will be discussed in two parts. Part-A will deal with classification of punishments and Part-B will deal
with Offences covered by the term Hudood. The punishments may therefore be classified as under:-A. CLASSIFICATION OF PUNISHMENTS
51. i. Primary Punishments, i.e. Punishments prescribed for homicide, fornication, adultery, theft, etc. These
punishments are prescribed by NASS wherein the Judge has no discretion in deciding the nature and

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quantum of sentence when the case has been proved;


ii. Substitutory Punishments: i.e. cases where instead of primary punishments, discretionary penalties can be
sanctioned by State and awarded by courts;
iii. Consequential Punishment: It is in the nature of an additional penalty consequent upon commission of an
independent but cognizable offence; e.g. when a killer on proof of his guilt, by operation of law, is also
deprived from inheriting the estate of the victim whose death was caused by his criminal act i.e. the act of the
prospective heir, or where the property recovered from a thief is directed by the court to be restored to its real
owner;
iv. Maximum or Minimum Punishment: i.e. a situation where the Judge exercises discretion, in given
circumstances and facts of a particular case not covered by primary punishments, to award maximum or
minimum penalty i.e. a penalty between the two extremes;
v. Discretionary Punishments: i.e, instances where the Judge has the discretion even to let off an accused after
administering rebuke or he may award any other appropriate sentence in the facts and circumstances of the
case;
vi. Section 53 of the Pakistan Penal Code was substituted as a result of the process of Islamization of laws
initiated under Article 227 of the Constitution through the medium of Criminal Law (Second Amendment)
Ordinance, 1990: (Later on it became permanent law as Act 11 of 1997) and the following ten categories of
punishments, duly recognized by Islamic Jurisprudence, were incorporated therein.
Firstly
Secondly
Thirdly
Fourthly
Fifthly
Sixthly
Seventhly
Eighthly

Ninthly
Tenthly

Qisas
Tazir
Diyat
Arsh
Daman
Death
Imprisonment for life
Imprisonment of either description, namely:(i) Rigorous with hard labour;
(ii) Simple
Forfeiture of Property;
Fine.

As noted elsewhere these amendments in the Penal Code were the consequence of certain verdicts of the
Federal Shariat Court and the recommendations made by Council of Islamic Ideology.
52. Section 299 occurring in Chapter XVI of the Pakistan Penal Code, entitled: of Offences Affecting The
Human Body, defines Arsh, Daman, Ikrah-e-tam, Ikrah-e-Naqis, Qatl, Qisas and Tazir. It is worth noting that
section 299 of Pakistan Penal Code, inter alia, defines Qisas. The various definitions are detailed below:-"299 Definitions.---In this Chapter, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-(a)

"arsh" means the compensation specified in this Chapter to be paid to the victim or his heirs

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under this Chapter;


(b) "daman" means the compensation determined by the Court to be paid by the offender to the
victim for causing hurt not liable to arsh;
(c) "diyat" means the compensation specified in Section 323 payable to the heirs of the victim;
(d) "Government" means the Provincial Government;
(e)

"ikrah-e-tam" means putting any person, his spouse or any of his blood relations within the
prohibited degree of marriage in fear of instant death or instant permanent impairing of any organ
of the body or instant fear of being subjected to sodomy or zinabil-jabr;

(f) "ikrah-e-naqis" means any form of duress which does not amount to Ikrah-i-tam;
(g) "gatl" means causing death of a person;
(h) "qisas" means punishment by causing similar hurt at same part of the body of the convict as he
has caused to the victim or by causing his death if he has committed Qatl-e-amd, in exercise of
the right of the victim of a wali. (Emphasis Added)
The definition of Qisas adopted by Pakistan Penal Code is indicative of the fact that the retributive
punishments prescribed by Holy Quran have been enforced as Hudood under the criminal jurisdiction in the
courts of Pakistan. In this view of the matter the appellate or revisional jurisdiction over trials in cases of
injuries against human body would be the exclusive domain of Federal Shariat Court. The word Hadd has
also been defined in the Enforcement of Hudood Laws of 1979. Different kinds of hurts and punishments, as
prescribed by Islamic teachings, are also included in this newly added Chapter XVI of the Penal Code.
Section 338-F ibid, occurring in this chapter, additionally mandates as follows:"Interpretation:-In the interpretation and application of the provisions of this Chapter, and in respect
of matters ancillary or akin thereto, the court shall be guided by the Injunction of Islam as laid down
in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. "(Emphasis Added)
It is in this background that the expanse of the term enforcement of Hudood as used in Article 203-DD of the
Constitution has to be appreciated, understood and interpreted. It is now time to analyse the term enforcement
of Hudood.
53. In the field of criminal law, the Holy Quran has employed the term QISAS as retaliatory punishment for
certain categories of offences against human body. The punishments are mentioned in the revealed text.
Hence these are INJUNCTIONS and have to be implemented. This is also a constitutional obligation. The
following Ayaat of Holy Quran will illustrate the point:"(i) Ayah 178 Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah)
"Believers! Retribution is prescribed for you in cases of killing: if a freeman is guilty then the
freeman; if a slave is guilty then the slave; if a female is guilty, then the female. But if something of a
murderer's guilt is remitted by his brother this should be adhered to in fairness, and payment be made
in a goodly manner. This is alleviation and a mercy from your Lord; and for him who commits excess

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after that there is a painful chastisement."


(ii) Ayah 179 Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah)
"People of understanding, there is life for you in retribution that you may guard yourselves against
violating the law."
(iii) Ayah 194 Surah 2 (Al-Baqarah)
"The sacred month for the sacred month; sanctities should be respected alike (by all concerned). Thus,
if someone has I attacked you, attack him just as he attacked you, and fear Allah and remain
conscious that Allah is with those who guard against violating the bounds set by Him."
(iv) Ayah 45 Surah 5 (Al-Maidah)
"And therein We had ordained for them: "A life for a life, and an eye for an eye, and a nose for a nose,
and an ear for an ear, and a tooth for a tooth, and for all wounds, like for like. But whosoever foregoes
it by way of charity, it will be for him expiation." Those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed
are indeed the wrong=doers." (Emphasis Added)
54. It may be useful to refer to Ayah 24 Surah 4, An-Nisa of Holy Quran, at the risk of repetition, which
proclaims that the commandments given by Allah in the Holy Quran have a binding force upon the believers.
This declaration comes at the end of the list of prohibitions prescribed by Holy Quran. This edict cannot be
ignored and has to be taken seriously.
55. Let us now revert to the term Hadd/Hudood as used in various legal instruments in force in Pakistan. The
term Hudood has been employed in Article 203-DD (1) of the Constitution but this term, it appears, has
purposely not been defined therein. It indicates clearly that this question was left for the Federal Shariat Court
to define because this very clause proceeds to confer exclusive jurisdiction upon this Court to deal with
matters relating to Hudood. Moreover, the Constitution has created only one forum under the designation
Federal Shariat Court, which has the exclusive jurisdiction (Article 203-D) to examine the question whether
any law is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam. It is therefore the domain of the solitary constitutional
institution, known as Federal Shariat Court, to lay down what the law on the subject is. Reference may be
made to the case. of Asma Jilani versus Gove 'nment of the Punjab, reported as PLD 1972 Supreme Court
139 Justice Yaqub Ali (as his Lordship then was) at page 230 held as under:"Law" was not defined in the Constitution. It is, therefore, for the Courts to lay down what "law" is,
and if any decree, or behest of Yahya Khan expressed as a Martial Law Order, Martial Law
Regulation or Presidential Order, or Ordinance, does not conform to the meaning of the term `law' in
Article 2 these Regulations, Orders and Ordinances will be void and of no legal effect." (Emphasis
Added)
It is thus the domain of Superior Courts to assign meanings to those words and terms which, used technically
by jurists, and employed in legislative instruments, have been wilfully left undefined by legislature. The
definition of the term Hudood, as may be settled in the light of Injunctions of Islam by the Federal Shariat
Court, will therefore determine the meaning of the term as well as the extent of its jurisdiction.
56. The term Hadd as mentioned above, has also been given a meaning in Ordinance VI of 1979, Ordinance

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VII of 1979, Ordinance (VIII bf 1979) and President's Order No.4 of 1979. This meaning is in tune with the
arguments advanced above. According to this definition the term Hadd means a punishment "ordained by
Holy Quran or Sunnah ". This definition has not been held to be repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam in the
three decades of its application.
57. Chapter 3-A of Part VIII of the Constitution, dealing with the Federal Shariat Court, contemplates very
vividly that the Shariat Court, shall be guided in its decisions and findings by the Injunctions of Islam as laid
down in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Likewise, Article 227 (1) of the
Constitution prescribes that all existing laws shall be brought in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam as
laid down in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah and further that no law in future shall be enacted which is
repugnant to these injunctions. The ultimate role of examining the vires of an impugned legal instrument on
the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam is therefore the exclusive preserve of the Federal Shariat Court as
mandated by Article 203D of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The parliament is debarred
from enacting a law which is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam. This reality amounts to a declaration in
loud terms that the statute book of Pakistan has to be in conformity with the Injunctions of Islam and
consequently the term Hudood has, in fact, to be defined in the light of Injunctions as laid down in the Holy
Quran and the Sunnah. The term Hudood according to the meaning and scope of various Injunctions of Islam,
referred to above, includes every activity which falls directly or indirectly within the mischief of 11 offences
tabulated in the next section.
58. In literary and legal parlance some words in the field of law, science, philosophy etc. assume a wider
meaning than the actual dictionary meanings. This is also the case with the expression Hudood. It includes
the term Tazir. A parallel may be conveniently drawn from the term viz major or force majeure. The term
force majeure according to law lexicons means irresistible force or compulsion; circumstances beyond one's
control. The expression force majeure `is not a mere French version of the Latin expression vis major.' The
term force majeure has therefore become a term of wide import. Strikes, breakdown of machinery, which,
though normally not included the term vis major are included in force majeure.
B. OFFENCES COVERED BY THE TERM HUDOOD
59. It is therefore time to recapitulate the scope of the term Hudood. In the light of the foregoing discussion
the following categories of offences are therefore covered sby the term Hudood:
(i)

Zina = Adultery, Fornication and Rape.

(ii)

Lawatat= Sexual intercourse against the order of nature;

(iii)

Qazaf = 'Imputation of Zina;

(iv)

Shurb = Alcohlic drinks/Intoxicants/Narcotics etc;

(v)

Sarqa = Theft simplicitor;

(vi)

Haraba = Robbery, Highway Robbery, Dacoity. All categories of offences against property as
mentioned in Chapter XVII of Pakistan Penal Code.

(vii)

Irtdad= Apostacy;

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(viii)

Baghy =Treason, waging war against State; All categories of offences mentioned in Chapter VI
of the Pakistan Penal Code and

(ix)

Qisas = Right of retaliation in offences against human body. All these offences are covered by
definition Hadd because penalty therein has been prescribed by Nass/Ijma.
Abdul Qadir Audah, has discussed to some extent the scope of Hadd .in his treatise Tashree ul Janai al
Islam, Volume 1 at page 119.

(x)

Human Trafficking.

Reference Ayah 90 Surah 16 of Holy Quran where Fhashaa, Munkar and Baghee have been forbidden.
60. It is immaterial for the purpose of the petitions under discussion whether penal provisions relating to
Qisas/kidnapping/abduction/ enticing/fornication/adultery/rape/un-natural offences/prostitution/buying or
selling a person for sexual purposes; theft/Haraba/Drinking alcoholic liquor or sale, purchase, manufacture,
import or export or possession of intoxicants/Narcotic, alcoholic liquors of various categories, theft,
extortion, waging war against state or offences against human body, false imputations, etc, are retained in
Pakistan Penal. Code, or `President's Order No.4 of 1979, Ordinance VI of 1979, Ordinance VII of 1979,
Ordinance VIII of 1979, or even Control of Narcotic Substances Act No. XXV of 1997 Prevention and
Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2002 (Ordinance LIX of 2002) or any other legal instrument for
the time being in force. What is material is that all such offences relating to enforcement of Hadd as ordained
by Holy Quran and Sunnah are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court before or after
the trial has been initiated or completed by any criminal court (of course under any law) and no. other court
would exercise appellate or revisional powers over such criminal cases initiated either on police report or by
way of complaint direct in the court or at the instance of the Court itself.
61. In the case of Dr. Muhammad Aslam Khaki v. Federation of Pakistan reported in PLD 2010 FSC page
191 a Bench consisting of four Hon'ble Judges of the Federal Shariat Court, after considering different view
points found that a sin does not mean Haram only. There is no doubt in the mind of any Muslim that Quran
and Sunnah shall always serve as a sure guide in determining what are major sins. In many societies sins are
distinguishable from crimes but in some cultures sins are inseparable from crimes. In an Islamic society sins
are crimes and not separate entities. In the said report it was also held in paragraph 24 that the State is duty
bound to enforce that which is prohibited and inflict requisite punishment to the transgressors.
ISSUES Nos.(b) and (i)
JURISDICTION AND JUDICIAL POWER AND JURISDICTION
62. We consider it expedient to examine this issue relating to the Judicial power, Jurisdiction and allied
matters as these points are intrinsically related to Issues Nos. (b) and (c) discussed above. This issue will
therefore be discussed under 08 following distinct heads:A. JURISDICTION IN GENERAL
B. NATURE OF ARTICLE 203-DD
C. REVISIONAL CUM APPELLATE JURISDICTION

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D. TERMS: ANY CASE, ANY COURT, ANY LAW


E. TERM: ENFORCEMENT OF HUDOOD
F. FOUNDATION AND SCOPE OF ARTICLE 203D
G. DECISIONS OF FEDERAL SHRIAT COURT
H. FEDERAL SHARIAT COURT AND COUNCIL OF ISLAMIC IDEOLOGY.
A. JURISDICTION IN GENRAL
63. Jurisdiction is the right to hear and determine and the result of this exercise is the judgment of the Court.
Deniels v. Tarney, 102 U.S. 415, 26 L.ED. 187.
64. Justice Hamood-ur-Rehman, Hon'ble Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan, in the case of State Versus
Zia-ur-Rehman PLD 1973 Supreme Court 49 at pages 69-70, explained the scope of the terms "Judicial
Powers" and "Jurisdiction" in the following words:"So far, therefore, as this Court is concerned it has never claimed to be above the Constitution nor to
have the right to strike down any provision of the Constitution. It has accepted the position that it is a
creature of the Constitution; that it derives its powers and jurisdictions from the Constitution; that it
derives its powers and jurisdictions from the Constitution; and that it will even confine ,itself within
the limits set by the Constitution which it has taken oath to protect and preserve but it does claim and
has always claimed that it has the right to interpret the Constitution and to say as to what a particular
provision of the Constitution means or does not mean, even if that particular provision is a provision
seeking to out the jurisdiction of this Court.
This is a right which it acquires not de hors the Constitution itself. It is not necessary for this purpose
to invoke any divine or super-natural right but this judicial power is inherent in the Court itself. It
flows from the fact that it is a Constitutional Court and it can only be taken away by abolishing the
Court itself.
In saying this, however, I should make it clear that I am making a distinction between "judicial
power" and "jurisdiction". In a system where there is a trichotomy of sovereign powers, then
ex-necessitate rei from the very nature of things the judicial power must be vested in the judiciary. But
what is this judicial power. "Judicial Power" has been defined in the Corpus Juris Secundum, Vol.
XVI, Paragraph 144, as follows:"The judiciary or judicial department is an independent and equal coordinate branch of Government,
and is that branch thereof which is intended to interpret, construe, and apply the law, or that department
of Government which is charged with the declaration of what the law is, and its construction, so far as
it is written law. " (Emphasis added)
This power, it is said, is inherent in the judiciary by reason of the system of division of powers itself
under which, as Chief Justice Marshal put it, "the Legislature makes, the executive executes, and the
judiciary construes, the law." Thus, the determination of what the existing law is in relation to

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something already done or happened is the function, of the judiciary while the predetermination of
what the law shall be for the regulation of all future cases ,falling under its provisions is the function
of the Legislature.
It may well be asked at this stage as to what is meant by "jurisdiction"? How does it differ from
"judicial power"? Apart from setting up the organs the Constitution may well provide for a great
many other things, such as, the subjects in respect of which that power may be exercised and the
manner of the exercise of that power. Thus it may provide that the Courts set up will exercise
revisional or appellate powers or only act as a Court of a cessation or only decide Constitutional
issues. It may demarcate the territories in which a particular Court shall function and over which its
Writs shall run. It may specify the persons in respect of whom the judicial power to hear and
determine will be exercisable. These are all matters which are commonly comprised in what is called
the jurisdiction of the Court. It expresses the concept of the particular res or subject matter over which
the judicial power is to be exercised and the manner of its exercise. Jurisdiction is, therefore, a right to
adjudicate concerning a particular subject-matter in a given case, as also the authority to exercise in a
particular manner the judicial power vested in the Court. "
In this very report the Hon'ble Chief Justice at page 70 was pleased to hold as under:-"In exercising this power, the judiciary claims no supremacy over other organs of the Government but
acts only as the administrator of the public will. Even when it declares a legislative measure
unconstitutional and void, it does not do so, because, the judicial power is superior in degree or
dignity to the legislative power; but because the Constitution has vested it with the power to declare
what the law is in the cases which come before it. It thus merely enforces the Constitution as a
paramount law whenever a legislative enactment comes into conflict with it because, it is its duty to
see that the Constitution prevails."
65. The Supreme Court of Pakistan in its Appellate Jurisdiction, in the case of Dr. Munawar Hussain v. Dr.
Muhammad Khan, District Health Officer, Sargodha and two others, reported as 2004 SCMR 1462 (at page
1466) and PLJ 2005 SC 64 (at pages 67, 68) while dilating upon the question of jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court held as under:
"Article 203-A of the Constitution provides that the provisions of this Chapter i.e. Chapter 3-A
relating to Federal Shariat Court shall have effect notwithstanding any thing contained in the
Constitution meaning thereby that provisions of this Chapter containing Article 203-A to Article
203-J have overriding effect on the other provisions of the Constitution. Article 203-G of the
Constitution imposes bar on the jurisdiction of the Courts and Tribunal including the Supreme Court
and the High Court to entertain any proceedings or exercise any power or jurisdiction in respect of the
matters within the power or jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court, as such, the High Court neither
had the jurisdiction under Section 561-A, Cr.P.C. nor under Article 199 of the Constitution in the
matter which fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court, as such, the jurisdiction
exercised by the High Court under Article 199 of the Constitution after conversion of quashment
petition, was coram non judice. It may be noted that the Federal Shariat Court had already directed the
trial Court vide its judgment dated 11-5-1994 passed in Criminal Revision No.110-L of 1993 to issue
process against Dr. Muhammad Khan respondent and to decide his case along with other respondents
in accordance with law. This judgment which was rendered by the three Hon'ble Judges of the Federal
Shariat Court was binding on the High Court and all other Courts subordinate to it under Article
203-GG and a Single Judge in Chambers of the High Court had no jurisdiction to sit in judgment over

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the judgment of the Federal Shariat Court which had exclusive jurisdiction in the matter and its
decision had a binding effect as stated earlier. Since the matter was exclusively amenable to the
jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203-G, therefore, the impugned judgment
passed by the Single Judge of the High Court was without lawful authority and of no legal
consequence. Consequently, this appeal is allowed, the impugned judgment of the learned Single
Judge in Chambers of the High Court being coram non judice is set aside and the trial Court is
directed to proceed with the complaint as directed by the Federal Shariat Court vide its order dated
11-5-1994 and decide the same in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible."
66. In this context perusal of Article 203G would be useful:
"Save as provided in Article 203F, no Court or tribunal, including the Supreme Court and a High
Court, shall entertain any proceedings or exercise any power or jurisdiction in respect of any matter
within the power or jurisdiction of the Court." (Emphasis added)
This provision read with Article 203-DD(2) establishes beyond doubt that all offences relating to Hudood are
within the exclusive jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court. All matters connected with Hudood would
therefore automatically be included in the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court. This is precisely what is
meant by enforcement of Hudood as prescribed in Article 203-DD of the Constitution.
67. It is indeed true that all judicial powers are lodged with the judiciary and wide powers have undoubtedly
been conferred by the Constitution upon the Federal Shariat Court which include:(a) To administer punitive and remedial justice to and between parties subject to Constitution and law;
(b) To exercise exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to examination of laws on the touchstone of
Injunctions of Islam and in cases relating to Hudood laws;
(c) To exercise the special jurisdiction without further legislative sanction;
(d) To define the scope and extent of its jurisdiction within the parameters identified in Chapter 3-A of
Part VII of the Constitution;
(e) To determine the meaning and' scope of the undefined terms used in Chapter 3-A ibid;
(f)

To exercise powers of a Civil Court in respect of certain matters;

(g) Authority to conduct its proceedings and regulate its procedure in all respects as it deems fit;
(h) To punish its own contempt;
(i) To make rules for carrying out the purposes of Chapter 3-A ibid;
(j) Exercising such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any law;
(k) To call for and examine the record of any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating
to the enforcement of Hudood; and

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Exclusive authority and the jurisdiction to examine and decide the question whether or not any law
or provision of law is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam as laid down in Holy Quran and Sunnah.

68. On the question of jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the case of Asma Jilani v. Government
of the Punjab, reported as PLD 1972 Supreme Court 139 at page 197, held as under:-"The Courts undoubtedly have the power to hear and determine any matter or controversy which is
brought before them, even if it be to decide whether they have the jurisdiction to determine such a
matter or not. The Superior Courts are, as is now well settled, the Judges of their own jurisdiction.
This is a right which has consistently been claimed by Supreme Court and other Courts of superior
jurisdiction in all civilized countries."
It may be useful to refer also to the case of Yousaf Ali Khan v. The West Pakistan Bar Council Tribunal,
Lahore PLD 1972 Lahore 404, a Full Bench case of the Lahore High Court, wherein it was held as under:"It is not possible for the executive to wrest from the judiciary its jurisdiction to interpret any law
promulgated in the country. The superior judiciary is clothed with this jurisdiction as a delegate of the
sovereign who, in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is God Almighty Himself exercising His Will and
Sovereignty through the people of this country. It is hardly possible to deny that the making of laws,
their implementation by three independent delegates of the sovereign in respect of its own particular
field. The Legislature exercises that delegated sovereign power of the sovereign to make laws and the
executive exercises it to implement them, the judiciary does, by interpreting laws made in pursuance
of the exercise of the legislative part of the powers of the sovereign by the Legislature. The right of
the superior judiciary delegated to it by the sovereign which can neither be curbed nor can it be taken
away."
69. It is necessary for a Judge to know the meaning and the scope of the term law because he is under oath to
administer law. He should be clear in his mind that the law under consideration was made by an authority
legally competent to make laws. The Federal Shariat Court has the additional but onerous constitutional
responsibility to examine whether the impugned law or provision of law is in accordance with Injunctions of
Islam. This authority of the Federal Shariat Court is necessary extension of the mandate given in Article 227.
of the Constitution. The notion of legitimacy and efficacy therefore becomes relevant because not only the
law making authority should be legally competent but the law should be capable of being enforced according
to the Injunctions of Islam and the principles established by the Constitution.
70. The ouster of jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court can be accomplished by only one jurisdictional fact:
that the act complained of is not covered by the mischief of an offence covered by the term Hudood. If
however the impugned transgression falls in the arnbit of Hudood then the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court cannot be ousted. This element is the key to the question of jurisdiction. It is immaterial whether the
offence complained of is mentioned in the four Hudood laws of 1979 or any other law. The issue stands
settled by the terminology employed in Article 203-DD - any case; any criminal court and under any law. The
term any case is relatable to all such offences which might be covered in the definition of Hudood. All actions
which are ancillary or auxiliary or related to or germane to or connected with offences falling in the ambit of
Hudood are also included in the term any case related with Hudood. Any case also includes all those cases in
which one of the alleged offences is covered by the definition of the term Hudood. It may he mentioned here
that the principle identified by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in the case of State v. Khalid Masood, PLD
1996 Supreme Court 42 is that when a matter has been dealt with by the Constitution and it is not subject to
any statute then no statute can control or curtail the power conferred upon a superior court by the

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Constitution.
B. NATURE OF ARTICLE 203-DD
71. Allied with the question of jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court is the subject regarding determination of
the exact scope, and nature of Article 203-DD incorporated in the Constitution. The language employed in
this Article shows that a calculated step was taken to give legislative effect to the principles and
commandments relating to Hudood enumerated in Holy Quran and Sunnah. While interpreting Article
203-DD of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan it becomes imperative to ascertain the nature of
this constitutional provision. Does this Article contain a policy? Does it provide only a guideline? Does it
contain a principle of law? The answer goes beyond these questions. An examination of this Article
demonstrates that it confers power upon the Federal Shariat Court to exercise jurisdiction in all cases,
pending or decided by any criminal court under any law in relation to the enforcement of Hudood. The
Hudood laws were in existence and being implemented at the time Article 203-DD was made operational in
the Constitution with effect from 22nd March 1982. The analysis of the contents of this Article therefore
leads to the irresistible conclusion that the nature of this Article is self-executing. Justice Shafiur Rehman in
the case of Hakim Khan v. Government of Pakistan, reported as PLD 1992 Supreme Court 595, at pages
633-634 (para 16 of the Report), while approving a passage from Bindra's Interpretation of statutes, observed
as under:-"A Constitutional provision is self-executing if it supplies a sufficient rule by means of which the
right which it grants may be enjoyed and protected, or the duty which it imposes may be enforced
without the aid of a legislative enactment. It is within the power of those who adopt a Constitution to
make some of its provisions self-executing, with the object of putting it beyond the power of the
Legislature to render such provisions nugatory by refusing to pass laws to carry them into effect.
Where the matter with which a given section of the Constitution deals is divisible, one clause thereof
may be self-executing and another clause or clauses may not be self-executing. Constitutional
provisions are self-executing when there is a manifest intention that they should go into immediate
effect, and no ancillary legislation is necessary to the enjoyment of a right given of the enforcement of
a duty imposed. That a right granted by a Constitutional provision may be better or further protected
by supplementary legislation does not of itself prevent the provision by question from being
self-executing, nor does the self-executing character of the Constitutional provision necessarily
preclude legislation for the protection of the right secured. A Constitutional provision which is merely
declaratory of the common law is self-executing. A Constitutional provision designed to remove an
existing mischief should never be construed as dependent for its efficacy and operation on
Legislature.
Constitutional provisions are not self-executing if they merely indicate a line of policy or principles,
without applying the means by which such policy of principles are to be carried into effect, or it
appears from the language used and the circumstances of its adoption that subsequent legislation was
contemplated to carry it into effect. Provisions of this character are numerous in all Constitutions and
treat of a variety of subject. They remain inoperative until rendered effective by supplemental
legislation. The failure of the legislation to make suitable provision for rendering a clause effective is
no argument in favour of self-executing construction of the clause. Self-enforcing provisions are
exceptional.
The question whether a Constitutional provision is self-executing is always one of intention, and to
determine intent, the general rule is that Courts will consider the language used, the objects to be

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accomplished by the provision, and surrounding circumstances. Extrinsic matters may be resorted to
where the language of the Constitution itself is ambiguous."
72. A scrutiny of Article 203-DD of the Constitution consequently illustrates that exclusive powers of
judicial nature in relation to matters pertaining to Hudood, a particular branch of administration of Criminal
Justice, have been conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court to:
(i)

call for and examine the record of

(ii)

any case

(iii)

decided by any criminal court

(iv)

under any law

(v)

relating to enforcement of Hudood.

The Hudood laws were made part of the Statute Book of Pakistan on 9th February 1979 Chapter 3A entitled
Federal Shariat Court was incorporated thereafter as substantive provision in Part VII of the Constitution of
Pakistan with effect from 26th May 1980 vide Constitution (Amendment) Order, 1980. The opening
provision of this Chapter i.e. Article 203A reads as follows:"The provisions of this Chapter shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the
Constitution."
73. It is this Chapter which contains Article 203DD. The present text of Article 203-DD substituted the
original Article 203-DD vice section 5 of Constitution (Second Amendment) Order, 1982 with effect from
22nd March 1982. The previous text of Article 203-DD was incorporated in the Constitution vide section 4 of
the President's Order No.4 of 1980, Constitution (Second Amendment) Order, 1980 with effect from 21st
June, 1980 which provided simply that:
"The Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any law."
This very portion has now become clause (3) of Article 203-DD by virtue of President's Order No.5 of 1982.
It is therefore amply clear that the four Hudood laws i.e, Ordinance No.VI of 1979, Ordinance No.V1I of
1979, Ordinance No.VIII of 1979 and President's Order No.4 of 1979 had come in force before Article
203-DD was reconstituted in an elaborate manner. In the domain of legislation it is presumed that the
legislature is fully cognizant of previous legislation on the given subject. The effect of this amendment i.e,
incorporation of clauses (1) and (2) in Article 203-DD in the Constitution is as follows:(i) All the offences mentioned in the above mentioned laws fall within the ambit of Hadood;
(ii) As such all the offences are within the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court;
(iii) These offences are no more susceptible to amendment or repeal through an ordinary or routine
legislative measure other than amendment of Article 203-DD of the Constitution;
(iv) The Constitution did not limit the scope of Article 203-DD to the offences covered by the said four

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Hudood laws alone but mandated that the Court shall have, such other jurisdiction as may be conferred
on it by or under any law. It was a clear indication that the meaning and scope of the term Hudood is
wider than what the four above mentioned Hudood laws have professed. This clause pre-supposes that
in due course of time when the scope of the term Hudood has been defined appropriately, the
jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court will keep on expanding.
(v) The Constitution purposely refrained from defining the term "enforcement of Hudood" and left it for
the Federal Shariat Court to spell out the scope of term Hudood for a safe and progressive evolution of
law in the light of Injunctions of Islam, and
(vi) It was after lapse of a period of five years that it was ultimately decided to incorporate the term
Hudood for the first time in the Constitution so that a complete range of offences falling within the
purview of Hudood would progressively become part and parcel of the penal law of Pakistan. It is in
this way that gradual fulfillment of Islamic tenets becomes possible.
74. During the three decades of its existence, a lot many Articles of the Constitution were amended on as
many as 10 occasions and very recently far reaching amendments have been effected through Eighteenth
Constitutional Amendment Act which have been made operative from 20-4-2010. However during this long
period, the successive Parliaments did neither disturb the powers conferred upon Federal Shariat Court under
Article 203DD nor limit the scope of the term Hudood to the four Hudood laws with the result that this
self-executing provision, which had become operational in 1982, continues holding the field. It was and
continues to be operational and shall remain operational so long as any criminal court under any law takes
cognizance of a matter in the domain of Hudood. The operational character of this Article was never made
dependent upon any subsequent legislation or existence of any other condition. The nature of this Article is
not at all different from the nature of Articles 184 through 190 as well as Articles 199, 201 and 203 of the
Constitution. These are all self contained and self executing provisions of the Constitution. It may be added
that the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court has remained intact throughout.
75. It is, therefore, clear that the words used in any legal instrument relating to the jurisdiction of the Court, if
not defined in the enactment, will be interpreted and construed by the court exercising that jurisdiction. The
term law for the purposes of Article 203-D has been defined in clause (c) of Article 203B of the Constitution
in the following terms:(c) "law" includes any custom or usage having the force of law but does not include the Constitution,
Muslim personal law, any law relating to the procedure of any court or tribunal or, until the expiration
of [ten] years from the commencement of this Chapter, any fiscal law or any law relating to the levy
and collection of taxes and fees or banking or insurance practice and procedure.
The scope of the term law will have to be determined by the Court.
76. It is noteworthy that the term Law includes the judge made law. In support of this argument it might as
well be stated that Article 189 mandates that the decisions of the Supreme Court shall, to the extent that it
decides a question of law or is based upon or enunciates a principle of law, be binding on all Courts in
Pakistan. Article 203-GG of the Constitution straight away directs that the decisions of Federal Shariat Court
shall be binding on a High Court and all Courts subordinate to a High Court. The Constitution does not say
that the decision of the Federal Shariat Court shall be binding only if "it decides a question of law or is based
upon or enunciates a principle of law." In the case of Kundan Bibi and 4 others v. Walayat Hussain,
Controller of Estate Duty, Government of Pakistan, Karachi and another, reported as PLD 1971 Lahore 360

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(D.B. case at page 365), Justice Sardar Muhammad Iqbal (as his lordship then was) held that "law" does not
mean only the statute law but includes the principles which are laid down by the judicial pronouncements of
Superior Courts. Reliance in that report was placed on the case of Government of West Pakistan, v. Begum
Agha Abdul Karim Shorish Kashmiri PLD 1969 SC 14 where Justice Hamood-ur-Rehman (as his Lordship
then was) held that the term law includes judicial pronouncements laid down from time to time by the
superior courts. This constitutional provision as well as the Hudood laws promulgated in 1979 partake of the
nature of mandating absolute enactments. These provisions are not directory. An absolute enactment is
defined to be an instrument which must be obeyed or fulfilled exactly. It is only in the case of a directory
enactment that it may be obeyed substantially. These constitutional provisions confer powers for the
enforcement of Hudood. It would be useful to refer to another related principle which was settled long ago in
re-Dudlay Corporation (1882)8 QBD 86 (93,94) by Brett, L.J. wherein it was held that where legislature gives
power to do anything, the legislature "means also to give the public body all rights without which the power
would be wholly unavailable."
C. REVISIONAL CUM APPELLATE JURISDICTION
77. It was hinted at the bar that revisional power and not appellate power was conferred upon the Federal
Shariat Court under Article 203DD of the Constitution meaning thereby that the powers of the Federal
Shariat Court are limited. The argument is erroneous. It would be useful to refer to relevant provisions
relating to appeals and revisions as incorporated in the Code of Criminal Procedure.
78. Chapter XXXI of Part VII of the Code of Criminal Procedure deals with appeals. Section 404 of the said
Code mandates that no appeal shall lie from any judgment or order of criminal court except as provided for
by the Code or any other law for the time being in force. Section 412 commands that where an accused
person has pleaded guilty and has been convicted by a High Court, a Court of Session or Magistrate of 1st
Class on such plea, there shall be no appeal except to the extent or legality of the sentence. Similarly sections
413 and 414 do not permit appeals from petty cases/certain summary convictions. Section 417 deals with
appeals in cases of acquittal. Section 418 concedes that an appeal may lie on a matter of fact as well as matter
of law. Section 423 deals with powers of appellate Court in disposing of appeals and section 426 deals with
suspension of sentence and release of appellants on bail during pendency of appeal. Section 428 enables the
appellate Court to take further evidence itself or direct it to be recorded by the lower court. Under section
431, every appeal under section 411-A (2) or section 417 shall finally abate on the death of the accused and
every other appeal under 'this chapter (except an appeal from a sentence of fine) shall finally abate on the
death of appellant.
79. It will be noticed that piecemeal power was given to appellate courts under twenty eight consecutive
sections of Chapter XXXI of Part VII of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The power to enhance the sentence
was however not provided in the chapter relating to appeals. Chapter XXXII of Part VII of the Code of
Criminal Procedure deals with Revisional Jurisdiction. Section 439 singly enables the High Court to perform
any of the powers conferred on a court of appeal by virtue of sections 423, 426, 427 and 428. This section also
enables the revisional court to enhance the sentence after providing an opportunity to the accused of being
heard. A comparison with Article 203-DD of the Constitution shows that the revisional jurisdiction conferred
upon Federal Shariat Court, at constitutional plane, not only encompass at one place the power that are
exercised by an appellate Court under different sections of the Code but at the same time, in exercise of the
same jurisdiction, the Federal Shariat Court in its capacity as the revisional court, has the additional potential
of enhancing any sentence if, after examination of the record of any case decided by any criminal court, it is
convinced that punishment awarded was scanty. It is for this reason that Article 203-DD of the Constitution
of Islamic Republic of Pakistan conferred revisional jurisdiction alone on the Federal Shariat Court because

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powers of a revisional Court are much wider than that of the powers of an appellate Court.
80. Section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, authorizes the High Court to enhance the sentence of the
convict in the exercise of revisional jurisdiction. The Constitution could have` been content by providing that
the Federal Shariat Court will exercise the same powers as conferred on High Court under section 439 ibid.
But it was not done for the obvious reason that section 439 ibid places an embargo on the powers of High
Court to convert an order of acquittal into conviction while exercising revisional jurisdiction. In the case of
Muhammad Babar v. Muhammad Akram and three others, PLD 1987 Federal Shariat Court 38 (at page 41) it
was held that the power of Federal Shariat Court to order retrial remains intact under the constitutional
provisions because "the Court may pass such orders as it deems fit." However in appropriate cases, in order
to save time, expense, and harassment the Federal Shariat Court may straight away convict the accused, if
after hearing him, it finds that there is sufficient evidence on record to do so (Page 42 of the report).
81. The concept of Appeal is not unfamiliar to the Constitution. Articles 185 and 203-F of the Constitution
confer appellate jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Article 203-DD of the Constitution does
not confer appellate jurisdiction simplicitor upon the Federal Shariat Court. It confers revisional and other
jurisdiction. Appeal is a right conferred upon a person by a legislative instrument to move a superior tribunal
against an order whereas Revision is a privilege, prerogative, discretion and power conferred upon a Court to
examine proceedings conducted by a lower tribunal. Appeal is re-examination of case at judicial level by a
Superior Court. The object of appeal in contradistinction to revision under the Code of Criminal Procedure, is
to examine the correctness and legality of the impugned order. The powers vesting in this Court under Article
203-DD of the Constitution with regard to any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating to
the Enforcement of Hudood are all in-collusive in nature. A statute may or may not confer a right of appeal
but the Constitution has provided a permanent remedy for every aggrieved person to invoke revisional
jurisdiction of this Court in appropriate proceedings. Revision is a wider jurisdiction. This is what the head
note of Article 203-DD indicates. The term Revision includes re-examination, re-assessment, careful reading
over for correction and improvement. Holy Quran, in Ayah No.90 Surah 16, An-Nahl enjoins Justice
tempered with Kindness. The words in the Nass are ADL and IHSAN. The Federal Shariat Court has also to
see whether justice, as tempered by kindness, has been done by the trial Court. This power of Adl with Ihsan
is not prescribed upon any Appellate Court in the Code of Criminal Procedure. It is therefore abundantly
clear that wide powers have been conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court by way of revisional jurisdiction
to do complete justice according to relevant Injunctions of Islam in cases decided by any criminal court under
any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood.
82. It would be advantageous at this stage to look up the meaning and scope of the technical term Revision in
legal parlance.
83. The term Revision is wider in meaning and scope than the term Appeal. The term Revision also includes
revision of statutes which in substance is the re-examination of laws. It is different from an amendment. It
implies re-examination and restatement of law. Reference volume 35-A of WORDS and PHRASES,
Permanent Edition. The well known book entitled: STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION by Crawford published
by Pakistan Publishing House records at page 184: that the "Legislators are often authorized by constitutional
provisions to revise and to restate all the statute law of a general and permanent nature of the State up to a
certain date, in corrected and improved form". This legislative function has been conferred on the Federal
Shariat Court to undertake examination of laws on the touchstone of the Injunctions of Islam. This is
precisely the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203-D of the Constitution. The Court at
the same time enjoys the jurisdiction under Article 203-D ibid to examine any law on its own motion. There
could be cases when the court is called upon to exercise its jurisdiction under both the Articles in one and the

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same case. This special type of jurisdiction is enjoyed only by the Federal Shariat Court in the judicial
hierarchy of Pakistan.
84. In this view of the matter I am of the confirmed view that the absence of the word "appeal" does not in
any way limit the widest possible jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court conferred upon it by virtue of
Article 203-DD of the Constitution which enables it to call for and examine the record of any case decided by
any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood. In fact very wide powers have been
conferred upon this Court by virtue of just one Article of the Constitution without enumerating twenty eight
sections in quick succession as has been done in Chapter XXXI of Part VII of the Code of Criminal
Procedure. The Federal Shariat Court would, in view of this constitutional provision, exercise widest possible
jurisdiction in cases decided by any criminal court under any law relating to an offence covered by the term
Hudood. All the recognized incidents of the term Appeal have been included in the powers conferred upon
Federal Shariat Court by Article 203-DD of the Constitution under the so called title Revision. The
Constitution does not concede such broad based revisional powers to the High Courts. The revisional
jurisdiction of a High Court is certainly dependent upon an enabling provision in the Code of Criminal
Procedure which can be omitted, altered, substituted, or even restricted by ordinary legislative measure.
85. The revisional jurisdiction conferred upon Federal Shariat Court by Article 203-DD of the Constitution is
not a mere power but is in essence a sacrosanct duty because the said constitutional provision speaks in terms
of enforcement of Hudood. Reference in this context may be made profitably to the following seven Nusoos
in quick succession i.e. Ayaat No.43 through 49 Surah 5, Al-Maidah which enunciate the principle:Enforce the Injunctions of Quran and judge people according to the mandated provisions.
This principle has been mentioned seven times in these Ayaat of Holy Quran. This repetitive emphasis is a
pointer towards the significance attached to the implementation of Injunctions of Islam. These verses were
addressed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) which means that it is the duty of a Muslim State to enforce these
principle/injunctions. Translation of the said seven Ayaat is as follows:"Yet how will they appoint you a judge when they have the Torah with them, wherein there is Allah's
judgment and still they turn away from it? The fact is, they are not believers."
"Surely We revealed the Torah, wherein there is Guidance and Light. Thereby did Prophets- who had
submitted themselves (to Allah) - judge for the Judaized folk; and so did the scholars and jurists. They
judged by the Book of Allah for they had been entrusted to keep it and bear witness to it. So, (0 Jews),
do not feat' human beings but fear Me, and do not barter away My signs for a trivial gain. Those who
do not judge by what Allah has revealed are indeed the unbelievers: "
"And therein We had ordained for them: "A life for a life, and an eye for an eye, and a nose for a nose,
and an ear for an ear, and a .tooth for a tooth, and for all wounds, like for like. But whosoever
foregoes it by way of charity, it will be for him an expiation." Those who do not judge by what Allah
has revealed are indeed the wrong-doers."
"And We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, after those Prophets, confirming the truth of whatever. there still
remained of the Torah. And We gave him the Gospel wherein is Guidance and Light, and which
confirms the truth of whatever there still remained of the Torah, and a Guidance and Admonition for
the God-fearing."

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"Let the followers of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein, and those who do not
judge by what Allah has revealed are the transgressors."
"Then We revealed the Book to you, (0 Muhammad), with Truth, confirming what-ever of the Book
was revealed before, and protecting and guarding over it. Judge, then, in the affairs of men in
accordance with the Law that Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires in disregard of the
Truth which has come to you. For each of you, We have appointed a Law and a way of life. And had
Allah so willed, He would surely have made you one single community; instead, (He gave each of
you a Law and a way of life) in order to test you by what He gave you. Vie, then, with one another in
good works. Unto Allah is the return of all of you; and He will then make you understand the truth
concerning the matters on which you disagreed."
"Therefore, judge between them, (O Muhammad), by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their
desires, and do not follow their desires, and beware lest they tempt you away from anything of what
Allah has revealed to you. And if they turn away, then know well that Allah has indeed decided to
afflict them for some of their sins. For surely many of them are transgressors. "(Emphasis added)
It is for the purposes of correcting miscarriage of justice, doing substantial justice, removing any illegality or
perversity that the Federal Shariat Court has been clothed with vast powers under the title of Revisional
Jurisdiction. One of the fundamental object of this jurisdiction is that the Federal Shariat Court would watch
carefully that no Injunction of Islam relating to the enforcement of Hudood is violated in any case by 'virtue
of any order or decision by any criminal court exercising power under any law.
86. Existence of law is not sufficient. It is just one aspect of administration of justice. The emphasis of Holy
Quran is in fact upon enforcing the law. Constitution, in particular, has laid emphasis on enforcement of
Hudood. Chapter 3A of Part VII is the solitary instance where the Constitution speaks in terms of
enforcement. This element of enforcement only in relation to Hudood, according to the Constitution, is the
exclusive domain of Federal Shariat Court through revisional jurisdiction.
87. Jurisdiction is the power to hear and determine the cases as well as power to entertain an action or
petition or any other proceedings. The term jurisdiction, therefore, connotes authority and power to act in a
given matter. The jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court under Article 203-DD not only refers to the power
to examine the record of any case pending in a criminal court but also enables it to examine the propriety of
any decision or order passed by any criminal court under any law relating to Enforcement of Hudood. The
word any means all, each and every case pending or decided and each law under which the criminal Court
takes cognizance of a matter. The term any case used in Article 203DD is therefore very wide and includes
any matter which is within the initial cognizance of the criminal trial Court. Any case therefore means any
matter under any law connected with the Enforcement of Hudood.
88. Even otherwise, as stated earlier, the appellate power over orders passed by Court of Session in matters
relating to Hudood, once conferred upon this Court under Ordinance VII of 1979 could not be disturbed
through Act VI of 2006 by transferring Hudood Offences to Pakistan Penal Code. This is an inroad by
subordinate legislation in the realm of constitutional provisions contained in Article 203-A, sub-Articles (1)
and (3) of Article 203-DD and Article 203-G and consequently of no legal effect.
D. TERMS: ANY CASE, ANY COURT AND ANY LAW
89. The word any has been used four times in Article 203-DD of the Constitution. In clause (1) the words are:

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"of any case," "any criminal court" and "under any law" while in clause (2) the words used are: "in any case".
This calls for determination of meaning of the word any. Mr. Justice Zaffar Hussain Mirza, in the case of
Inamur Rehman v. Federation of Pakistan reported as 1992 SCMR 563 at 587, with regard to the meaning of
the term ANY observed as follows:"These expressions are of very wide amplitude. The term "any" according to the Black's Law
Dictionary (Fifth Edition) page 86 means: one out of many; an indefinite number; one
indiscriminately of whatever kind or quantity. With reference to case law it has been stated: Word
"any" has a diversity of meaning and may be employed to indicate "all" or "every" as well as "some"
or "one" and its meaning in a given statute depends upon the context and the subject-matter of the
statute."
The word "any" as employed in Article 203-DD has been expressed without any qualification. The word any
in the context in Article 203-DD would mean: any person, any court or any law under which a trial or
proceedings as regards offences relating to Hudood are being held or have been concluded. The word any is
wide enough to include every case, covered by the term Hudood or related to Hudood and would also cover
situations when any case is sought to be transferred in the manner and circumstances visualized by sections
526 and 528 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The three terms i.e. "any law", "any criminal court" and "any
law" as used in Article 203-DD not only tend to enlarge the amplitude of the term Hudood but lay emphasis
on the fact that all type of proceedings related to offences covered by the meaning and scope of the term
Hudood would remain the exclusive preserve of the Federal Shariat Court. There is no earthly reason to
exclude any one matter connected with the proceedings under Hudood laws from the jurisdiction of this
Court. The term "any" in its meaning and scope, has been discussed inter-alia in the following four precedents
which may be consulted to appreciate that the word "any" as used in Article 203-DD is a word of "expansion
indicative of width and amplitude sufficient to bring within the scope and ambit of the words it governed, all
that could possible be included in them."
(i) Ch. Zahoor Elahi MNA v. The State PLD 1977 SC 273
(ii) M. Amjad v. Commission of Income Tax and 2 others 1992 PTD 513
(iii) N.-W.F.P. v. Muhammad Irshad PLD 1995 SC 281
(iv) Commissioner of Income Tax v. Media Network PLD 2006 Supreme Court 787
In conclusion it may be said that term criminal court used in Article 203-DD is not restrictive in the sense as
mentioned in section 6 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It means any court exercising criminal jurisdiction
under any law of the land relating to an offence in the domain of Hudood. The term criminal court extends to
every category of Courts, Tribunals or Authorities competent under any law of the land to try and decide
cases in which the offence complained of pertains to Hudood.
E. TERM: ENFORCEMENT OFHUDOOD
90. Article 203-DD of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan confers revisional and other
jurisdiction on the Federal Shariat Court. Following is the text of Article 203-DD.
"[203-DD. (1) The Court may call for and examine the record of any case decided by any criminal
court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the

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correctness, legality or propriety of any finding, sentence or order recorded or passed by, and as to the
regularity of any proceedings of, such court and may, when calling for such record, direct that the
execution of any sentence be suspended and, if the accused is in confinement, that he be released on
bail or on his own bond pending the examination of the record.
(2) In any case the record of which has been called for by the Court, the Court may pass such order as
it may deem fit and may enhance the sentence:
Provided that nothing in this Article shall be deemed to authorize the Court to convert a finding of
acquittal into one of conviction and no order under this Article shall be made to the prejudice of the
accused unless he has had an opportunity of being heard in his own defence.
(3) The Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any law.]"
Before we discuss the philosophy and purport of this Article, let us summarize the extent and scope of the
powers bestowed upon the Federal Shariat Court by this Article. The following issues appear to have been
contemplated:
(i)

The jurisdiction of the Court in respect of enforcement of Hudood;

(ii)

The responsibility of the Court to satisfy itself as to the correctness, legality and propriety of any
finding, sentence or order recorded or passed by any court;

(iii)

The power of the Court to decide the regularity or otherwise of any proceedings related to
enforcement of Hudood;

(iv)

The power of the Court to direct suspension of any sentence awarded in cases relating to Hudood;

(v)

Power of the Court to release any accused on bail;

(vi)

Power of the Court to pass any order it may deem fit in relation to any proceeding related to the
enforcement of Hudood;

(vii)

Power of the Court to enhance any sentence passed by any court in relation to Hudood; and

(viii)

Any other jurisdiction conferred on the Court by or under any law.

A cursory glance over the contents of Article 203-DD clearly establishes that the framers of Chapter 3A of
Part VII of the Constitution perceived a much broader role for the Federal Shariat Court in relation to
Hudood. It was an all-inclusive role which is certainly wider than mere customary appellate jurisdiction.
Revisional power granted to the High Courts under section 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure can be
interfered with by routine legislative measure through ordinary routine process of amendment or even repeal.
A bill, in order to amend the Constitution, is passed only if "votes not less than two-thirds of the total
membership of the House", from where the Bill has originated and also "two-thirds of the total membership
of the House to which it has been transmitted" have been secured as provided in Article 248 of the
Constitution. But this is not the case in relation to other laws which may be amended, repealed or enacted by
simple majority. The Constitution has made it certain that the Revisional jurisdiction conferred upon the
Federal Shariat Court by it is taken out of the scope of ordinary legislative functions of Majlis-e-Shoora.

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The Constitution conceded not only wide powers to the Federal Shariat Court but it proceeded to protect
these powers from the vicissitude of legislative procedure prescribed under Article 70 of the Constitution.
Additionally the Constitution proclaimed that Federal Shariat Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may
be conferred upon it by or under any law. The consequence of this provision of the Constitution is that the
'Government or the Legislature has been restrained firstly from omitting any item from the prescribed
jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in matters relating to Hudood, and secondly the additional power which
may subsequently be included in the jurisdiction of this Court under sub-Article (3) of Article 203-DD will
be of the nature that it cannot be taken away by routine legislative measure. The additional jurisdiction,
whenever conferred would be saved by constitutional provision. The Constitution commands in unambiguous
terms that Federal Shariat Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court in Pakistan, have exclusive
jurisdiction to control, supervise and streamline the process of the enforcement of Hudood under any law by
any court or judicial forum. In Article 203-DD the term used is "enforcement of Hudood" and not mere
Hudood. The word enforce, according to Oxford, Advanced Learner's Dictionary means: to make sure that
people obey a particular law or rule, to make something happen or force somebody to do something. The
word enforcement consists of two parts. Part one is enforce and part two is ment. The portion ment is a
suffix. According to Oxford Dictionary this suffix means: the action or result of. In this context the word
enforcement means the action of making sure that people obey the Islamic law relating to Hudood or the
result of making sure that people obey the law. The intent of the authors of this constitutional provision is
clear. It confers wider powers and jurisdiction on the Federal Shariat Court so that not only the enforcement
or implementation of Hudood law is ensured but judicial guarantee is provided to ensure correctness, legality
and propriety as well as regularity of proceedings in relation to the enforcement of Hudood as prescribed by
Injunctions of Islam in the administration of criminal justice with a view to protecting Din, Life, Intellect,
Progeny and Family as well as the legitimately acquired property of the citizens and the people of Pakistan.
The positive law must be aimed at protecting and advancing the objectives of Shariah so as to achieve a
correct and proper enforcement of Hudood. Laws have to be implemented in that spirit. The Constitution
authorizes the Federal Shariat Court to interfere and exercise its jurisdiction in any case from any criminal
court under any law with a view to ensuring the correctness, legality and propriety of such implementation.
The word enforcement has been used by the constitution only in relation to offences relating to or covered by
the term Hudood. This is clearly wider expression and includes all those steps which may technically be
termed as appellate jurisdiction.
91. Whatever has been stated above demonstrates very clearly that the intent and purport of Article 203-DD
is to provide a single and a central judicial forum which should have exclusive jurisdiction of ensuring
correct, legal, proper and regular enforcement of the laws of Hudood throughout Pakistan. The word
"revisional" appearing in the head note of Article 203DD has not been used in narrow and limited sense but it
has been used in a broader sense. The right of appeal is conceded to an aggrieved party whereas Revision is
conferring of power, privilege and discretion upon the Court to undertake examination of proceeding of a
lower tribunal on the application of an aggrieved person or on its motion. If this Article is read with Articles
203-G and 203-GG, it establishes beyond any shadow of doubt that revisionary power includes the appellate
powers in relation to Hudood laws and the enforcement of Hudood vest in the Federal Shariat Court to the
exclusion of any other court in Pakistan. The words "any power or jurisdiction in respect of any matter within
the power and jurisdiction of the Court" in Article 203-G makes it abundantly clear that no court will exercise
appellate or revisional jurisdiction in matters relating to enforcement of Hudood except the Federal Shariat
Court. The power of a High Court to reverse an order of acquittal into conviction, on appeal, is stipulated
only under section 417 of the Code of Criminal Procedure but this power which a High Court enjoys under a
legislative instrument is conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court specifically through a superior piece of
legislation i.e. the Constitution. The Constitution authorizes the Court to convert an order of acquittal into
conviction. The Constitution therefore preserves and consolidates all the legally conceivable powers and

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jurisdiction in Federal Shariat Court in all matters relating to the enforcement of Hudood which any other
court may enjoy collectively as an appellate and revisional court under ordinary law.
92. Be it the Psalms of David, Gospel of Jesus, Tablets of Moses or the Scripture revealed upon Muhammad
PBUH, Allah Almighty made His promise abundantly clear that the weak and the oppressed, the meek and
the browbeaten shall inherit this earth. Allah was Gracious to those who were oppressed in the land and in
His infinite mercy, He made them leaders of humanity and helped them succeed to the resources of this
world. The Righteous servants of God, in turn, uphold the guiding principles and permanent values ordained
and preserved in the Revelation and come forward to implement the regulations proposed by the Lord
Creator. They do not hesitate to implement and enforce the Injunctions prescribed by Allah. Reference in this
context may be made to Ayaat Nos. 133 and 165 of Surah No.6, Ayaat Nos. 100, 130 and 134 of Surah No. 7,
Ayah No. 14 of Surah No.10, Ayah No. 57 of Surah No.11, Ayaat Nos. 11 and 105 of Surah 21, Ayah No.55
of Surah 24, Ayah No.62 of Surah 27, Ayah No.5 of Surah 28, Ayah No.39 of Surah 35, Ayah No. 26 of
Surah 38, Ayah No.38 of Surah 47, Ayah No.7 of Surah 57, Ayah No.41 of Surah 70.
F. FOUNDATION AND SCOPE OF ARTICLE 203-D
93. The basis of Article 203-D can be traced to Ayaat 59 through 65 of Surah 4, An-Nisa. The meaning of
these Ayaat is as follows:
" O ye who believe!
Obey Allah, and obey the Apostle,
And those charged
With authority among you.
If ye differ in anything
Among yourselves, refer it
To Allah and His Apostle,
If ye do believe in Allah
And the Last Day:
That is best, and most suitable
For final determination."
"Hast thou not turned
Thy vision to those
Who declare that they believe
In the revelations
That have come to thee
And to those before thee?
Their (real) wish is
To resort together for judgment
(In their disputes)
To the Evil one,
Though they were ordered
To reject him.
But Satan's wish
Is to lead them astray
Far away (from the Right)."

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When it is said to them:


"Come to what Allah hath revealed.
And to the Apostle ":
Thou seest the Hypocrites avert
Their faces from thee in disgust.
How, then, when they are
Seized by misfortune,
Because of the deeds
Which their hands have sent forth?
Then they come to thee,
Swearing by Allah:
"We meant no more
Than good-will and conciliation!
"Those men,- Allah knows
What is in their hearts;
So keep clear of them,
But admonish them,
And speak to them a word
To reach their very souls."
"We sent not an Apostle,
But to be obeyed, in accordance
With the Will of Allah.
If they had only,
When they were unjust
To themselves,
Come unto thee
And asked Allah's forgiveness,
And the Apostle had asked
Forgiveness for them,
They would have found
Allah indeed Oft-Returning,
Most Merciful."
"But no, by they Lord,
They can have
No (real) Faith,
Until they make thee judge
In all disputes between them,
And find in their souls
No resistance against
Thy decisions, but accept
Them with the fullest conviction."
A perusal of these Ayaat shows that the following two standards have been identified by Holy Quran for the

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resolution of disputes particularly between the citizenry and the State:(i) The first point of reference is the Word of God;
(ii) The second point of reference is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet PBUH;
Those who deny this procedure/process are termed hypocrites by Holy Qur'an. The nutshell of Ayah 62 Surah
4, An-Nisa and Ayaat 47 through 52 is that those who do not observe what Allah or His Chosen Messenger
PBUH has ordained may fall in the category of Munafiqeen i.e. the hypocrites. This is the situation which a
believer would certainly avoid in all circumstances.
94. The message of the above mentioned seven Ayaat of Surah 4 is restated with full vehemence in Ayaat 43
through 50 of Surah 5, Al-Maida whose translation has been referred to in a section of this judgment. The
qutshell of the Divine verdict in these Ayaat is that those who do not judge between people in accordance
with what has been revealed are Disbelievers, Wrong-doers and Evil-livers. It is in this background that
Article 203-D and Article 227 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has to be understood,
appreciated, construed, interpreted and implemented.
95. Ayah 49 of Surah 5 as well as Ayah 65 of Surah 4 declare and direct in very vivid terms:"So Judge between them by what Allah has Revealed."
(AND)
"But nay, by the Lord, they will not believe (in truth) until They make thee (0 Muhammad) a Judge of
what is in dispute between them and find within themselves no dislike of that which thou (0
Muhammad) decided, and submit with full submission."
96. Article 203D of the Constitution provides a practical mechanism to:
(a) ensure implementation of the mandate contained in Article 227 of the Constitution that no law shall
be enacted which is repugnant to the Injunctions of Islam contained in Holy Quran or Sunnah;
(b) achieve the goal, visualized in clause three of Objectives Resolution that the Muslims shall be
enabled to order their lives in the individual and collective spheres in accordance with the teachings
and requirements of Islam as set out in the Holy Quran and Sunnah, and
(c)

provide machinery at national level not through an ordinary piece of legislation but through the
agency of the fundamental law of Pakistan by way of creating a Superior Court with exclusive
jurisdiction to undertake solemn exercise of adapting the Statute Book of Pakistan with Injunctions of
Islam.

97. The reason that a constitutional provision has empowered the Federal Shariat Court to examine laws on
the touchstone of Injunctions of Islam can be traced to Ayah 85 of Surah 28, Al-Qasas which proclaims that
Allah made the teachings of Holy Quran binding upon the believers. The other reason is furnished by Ayah
23 Surah 3, Ale-Imran, Ayah 105 Surah 4, An-Nisa; Ayaat 44, 47 Surah 5, Al-Maidah; Ayah 114 Surah 6,
Al-Anam. All these verses proclaim that people should be judged according to the teachings and principles
handed over by Revelation. Still another reasons is that the Holy Quran proclaims itself as FURQAN i.e.

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Distinguisher. In other words Quran is the litmus test. Human conduct in Muslim societies should not be
apposed to the spirit and teachings of the Holy Book.
G. DECISIONS OF FEDERAL SHARIAT COURT
98. The criteria for resolving conflicts among people at judicial level is best illustrated by the instructions
given by Holy Prophet PBUH to Maaz bin Jabel on the eve of his appointment as Governor of Yamen.
Decisions were to be given in the light of Injunctions contained in Holy Quran and if no guidance was
available in the primary source, the judgment was to be based upon the guiding principles provided by
Sunnah and in the absence of any precedent or Injunction available in the above two basic sources, then the
judge was to undertake Ijtehad i.e. application of mental faculties to the maximum in resolving the issue
without violating the spirit of guiding principles provided by two primary sources. This was the first occasion
when the term Ijtehad was employed in the realm of administration of justice by a Companion in the
presence of Holy Prophet (PBUH) who approved it whole heartedly. This was the time and occasion when
the exercise of Ijtehad for the resolution of disputes received formal sanction. From that point onward Ijtehad
played an important role in the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence and the administration of justice.
99. A careful reading of Article 203-GG as well as Articles 189 and 201 of the Constitution indicates that the
Federal Shariat Court is not bound even by its own decisions. There is no institutionalized taqlid in so far as
this Court is concerned. It is the continuation of the time honoured practice in Muslim Societies that the
judges were not bound by previous decision in mattes 'within the ambit of uncovered field. The reason was
simple: In the given circumstances of a situation when no legal provision was available to resolve a
controversy, an effort to discover a remedy was resorted to by undertaking Ijtehad in the larger interest of
Justice. Justice is indeed related to the restoration of rights. Resolution of human problems does not brook a
vacuum. A still better view is always possible on account of practical experience gained by all the
stakeholders in the administration of justice particularly on account of change of conditions and
circumstances. Human thought is not stagnant. Human mind is a dynamic faculty. It progresses and develops
by experience. The process of development and evolution is ongoing. This course is not static. Injunctions of
Islam do not enjoin negation of movement. Islamic teachings beckon a person to look forward for a better
future.
100. It may be useful to refer Ayah 46 Surah 34, Saba which gives primacy to the thought process and the
element of scrutiny, examination, analysis and reflection. This is precisely what the Holy Quran describes as:
Translation of Ayah 46 is as under:-"Say to them, (0 Prophet): "I give you but one counsel: stand up (for heaven's sake), singly and in
pairs, and then think: what is it in your companion (to wit, Muhammad) that could be deemed as
madness?" He is nothing but a warner, warning you before the coming of a grievous chastisement."
(Emphasis added)
101. The Superior Courts, particularly in matters relating to Islamic jurisprudence, are under an obligation to
develop law in the light of Injunctions of Islam as laid down in Holy Quran and Sunnah. Exercise of Ijtehad
implies that the Courts are not bound by one interpretation in the uncovered field for all times to come.
Wisdom and saner counsel is the common heritage of humanity. The net result of incorporating Article
203GG is that any decision of the Federal Shariat Court in exercise of its jurisdiction, is binding on a High
Court and on all Courts subordinate to such High Court. The trial courts are subordinate to provincial High
Courts with the result that the findings of Federal Shariat Court, as regards its jurisdiction over trials relating

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to enforcement of Hudood as well as its interpretation and decisions shall be binding on provincial High
Courts and the courts subordinate to the High Courts.s
102. Another aspect is worth considering. Let us first examine the language of Articles 189 and 201 and then
read Article 203GG:"189. Any decision of the Supreme Court shall, to the extent that it decides a question of law or is
based upon or enunciates a principle of law, be binding on all other courts in Pakistan.
"201. Subject to Article 189, any decision of a High Court shall, to the extent that it decides a
question of law or is based upon or enunciates a principle of law, be binding on all Courts
subordinate to it.
"203-GG. Subject to Articles 203-D and 203-F, any decision of the Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction
under this Chapter shall be binding on a High Court and on all courts subordinate to a High Court."
103. The phrase "to the extent that it decides a question of law or is based upon or enunciates a
principle of law" mentioned in the first two articles is conspicuous by omission in Article 203-GG. It
therefore means in very clear terms that the ratio as well as dicta in a judgment of the Federal Shariat
Court is binding upon the four provincial High Courts as well as all the courts throughout the country
as these courts are subordinate to one or the other High Court. Any judgment, order or decision
delivered, passed or given by a High Court or a court subordinate to a High Court, contrary to the
decision of Federal Shariat Court will be a judgment per incuriam. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, in
the case of Dr. Munawar Hussain, referred to above, while dilating upon the jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court under Article 203-DD had held that High Court had no jurisdiction under section 561-A
of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 199 of the Constitution in matters which fell within the
jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court. Decision of the High Court in such matters was declared as
Coram non judice. This jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court therefore is exclusive in nature and is
not shared by any superior Court/Tribunal created by the Constitution. Reference may be made to the
following reports:
(i) Zaheer ud Din versus. The State 1993 SCMR 1718 (at page 1756)
"The Chapter 3A of the Constitution was inducted in the Constitution on 26th May, 1980. It
contains Articles 203A to Article 203-J. The Article 203-A of the Constitution lays down that
the provisions of Chapter 3A shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the
Constitution. Further Article 203-G provides that "Save as provided in Article 203F, no Court or
tribunal, including the Supreme Court and a High Court, shall entertain any proceedings or
exercise any power or jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the power or jurisdiction of
the Court."
These provisions when read together, would mean that a finding of the Federal Shariat Court, if
the same is either not challenged in the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court or
challenged but maintained, would be binding even on the Supreme Court. Consequently, the
above given findings of the Federal Shariat Court cannot be ignored by this Court."
(ii) Aurangzeb v. Massan 1993 CLC 1020 (at page 1023)

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"Judgments of the Supreme Court, its Shariat Appellate Bench and Federal Shariat Court were
binding on other Courts, by force of a Constitutional mandate. The act of a Court in disregard of
the judgments of the above Courts was denuded of legal authority and was clearly equivalent to
an act without lawful authority and jurisdiction."
(iii) Hafiz Abdul Waheed v. Mst. Asma Jehangir PLD 2004 Supreme Court 219 (at page 230)
"The argument is fallacious. The Federal Shariat Court is itself the creation of Chapter 3-A.
Article 203-D confers, what may be described as original jurisdiction on the Federal Shariat
Court. Under this jurisdiction, the Federal Shariat Court, on its own motion or on the petition of
any citizen of Pakistan or Federal Government or a Provincial Government, can examine and
decide the question whether or not any law or provision of law is repugnant to the Injunctions
of Islam as laid down in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Article
203-DD empowers the Court to call for and examine the record of any case decided by any
criminal Court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood for the purpose of
satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of any finding, sentence or order
recorded or passed by any such criminal Court. Sub-Article (3) of Article 203-DD lays down
that "the Court shall have such other jurisdiction as may be conferred on it by or under any
law". It may be noted here, that right of appeal was provided to the Federal Shariat Court by
adding second proviso to section 20(1) of the Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood)
Ordinance, 1979 (hereinafter to be referred to as "the Ordinance)", in the year 1980."
104. Sub-Article (9) of Article 203-E of the Constitution makes the things further clear. It states:
"The court shall have power to review any decision given or order made by it."
This power of review is not subject to any Act of Parliament like Article 188 which confers power of
Review upon the Supreme Court on the following terms:
"The Supreme Court shall have power, subject to the provisions of any Act of Majlis-e-Shoora
(Parliament) and of any rules made by the Supreme Court to review any judgment or any order
made by it." (Emphasis added)
It will be noticed that the High Courts have no Constitutional mandate to review its orders or judgments.
The power of review is conferred upon the High Courts by operation of subordinate legislation. Reference:
Section 114 read with Order XLVII of the Code of Civil Procedure.
105. The vast power of review conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court is in effect the acceptance of the
principle of IJTIHAD for the development of Islamic Jurisprudence through the agency of this Court of
original jurisdiction. The objective in conferring this power upon the Federal Shariat Court has it genesis in
Ayah 17 Surah 13, Ar-Rad, Holy Qur'an:
Thus does Allah depict truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it passes away as dross; but that which
benefits mankind abides on the earth. Thus does Allah explain (the truth) through examples.
The decisions of the Federal Shariat Court are supposed to cleans the existing law of any dirt or possible
trash.

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106. The constitutional mandate of review is quite wide in scope. It includes the power of revisiting, on its
own motion, any decision given or order made by itself. This is evident from the cases of Hazoor Bux v.
Federation of Pakistan reported as PLD 1981 FSC 145 decided on 21st March, 1981 but reviewed by this
Court on 20'h June, 1982 in the case entitled Federation of Pakistan v. Hazoor Bux and 2 others PLD 1983
FSC 255.
107. The historic opening words of the first Ayah of Surah Mujadilah is very significant as it is the solitary
instance in the history of revealed literature where a woman, aggrieved by an inhuman custom, having the
force of law, entered a caveat. Her rights as a wife had been suspended unilaterally by oral pronouncement
made by the husband. She lodged a protest before Muhammad (PBUH), the head of the nascent Islamic
polity, because she knew that Allah through His Apostle had the power to promulgate, amend, change, alter,
substitute or even repeal any prevalent rule or custom having the force of law. Her supplication was
answered. The prompt revelation proclaimed:
" O protesting lady! Your petition has been heard."
This declaration is preserved in Holy Quran as Ayah No.1 Surah 58, Al-Mujadilah. The following principles
of law can therefore be deduced from this very Injunction of Islam:(i)

Right of protest is conceded to an aggrieved person;

(ii)

Every person aggrieved of an inhuman rule, law, custom or practice, having the force of law, has
a right to get it reviewed by competent authority;

(iii)

The aggrieved person in such a situation should have free access to justice;

(iv)

The aggrieved person shall have the right of audience at the time of initiating the complaint;

(v)

The Authority is under an obligation to probe into the complaint and may for that purpose
undertake examination of any impugned law or practice;

(vi)

The Authority must examine the issue and deliver a speaking and an effective order; and

(vii)

The Authority, may in the facts and circumstances of the case not only introduce necessary
amendments in law but may also provide a remedy to rectify the wrong.

108. In this view of the matter the creation of Federal Shariat Court is in fact practical realization of the
remedy contemplated by Holy Quran for persons aggrieved by anti-people laws and inhuman practices
having the force of law. The Federal Shariat Court, in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 203-D, in fact
discharges the obligation imposed by Ayah 103 of Surah 3, Ale-Imran because the power to declare a law to
be in conflict or otherwise to the Injunctions of Islam is not only a message to the people to follow what is
good and avoid what is wrong. The yardstick to determine what is good or bad according to Muslim belief, is
certainly the Revealed principle.
H. FEDERAL SHARIAT COURT AND COUNCIL
OF ISLAMIC IDEOLOGY
109. Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, the philosopher poet of East, gave considerable thought to the question of

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reconstruction of modern Islamic jurisprudence during the second and third decade of twentieth century. This
is evident from his letters to Sahibzada Aftab Ahmad Khan, Secretary Muslim Educational Conference dated
4 June, 1925 wherein he also discussed the scheme then under consideration of Dr. Arnold. Allama Iqbal was
of the view that the right to undertake Ijtehad should be conceded to the Muslim Parliament but he was also
conscious of the fact that technical assistance should be available to the legislative bodies to ensure correct
interpretation and enforcement of Shariah. The creation of the Council of Islamic Ideology and the Federal
Shariat Court in due course of time after the creation of Pakistan, through constitutional apparatus, is in fact
realization of the aspirations of Dr. Muhammad Iqbal because the Council of Islamic Ideology provides
technical assistance/recommendations to the Parliament/ Provincial Assemblies before finalizing legislation
while the Federal Shariat Court examines, whenever any question arises, any law or provision of law on the
touchstone of Injunctions of Islam after a proposed Bill has materialized into on Act. The Council of Islamic
Ideology appears to be" an adjunct of the Parliament/Provincial Assemblies/President/Governor but it does
not provide remedies to general public. The Federal Shariat Court is not part of the legislative wing of the
State but it has the potential to provide relief to any person who is aggrieved of or is critical of any legislative
measure. This Court on the other hand gives personal hearing to a petitioner and undertakes an examination
of the question submitted for its consideration. The procedure for invoking jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court is not only simple but has been made inexpensive as well. Persons desirous of seeking examination of a
given law or a provision of law or even custom, having the force of law, may not be permitted an ingress in
the premises of legislative bodies to demand review of impugned legal instruments but the Constitution has
provided a forum at the federal level to the citizens of Pakistan enabling them to invoke its extra-ordinary
jurisdiction by making an application, without stamp duty and claim examination of any law, on the
touchstone of Injunctions of Islam without constraint of period of limitation. The application for examination
can be made at any provincial head-quarter or the principal seat of this Court at Islamabad. Once a Shariat
Petition is submitted, it cannot be dismissed on the sole ground of absence or death of the petitioner. The
Court may proceed with the examination of the impugned law which has been brought to its notice.
110. The creation of Federal Shariat Court is a natural sequel to Article 227 of the Constitution. There is yet
another equally weighty consideration for creating Federal Shariat Court. The possibility cannot be ruled out
that the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology are not laid for discussion before both the
Houses and each Provincial Assembly. In such an event the jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court can be
invoked by any citizen of Pakistan to get the impugned laws or provision of law examined on the touchstone
of Injunctions of Islam. This convenient, unproblematic, cost-free and simple remedy provided by clause (8)
of Article 203-E read with The Federal Shariat Court (Procedure) Rules, 1981 may also be successfully
availed and the jurisdiction of this court be invoked under Article 203D in the event the provisions contained
in clause (4) of Article 230 of the Constitution are not complied with. Such a thing would be tantamount to
resurrecting the basic principle enunciated in Ayah No. 1 Surah 58, Al-Mujadalah of Holy Quran. The
enunciation of this principle in Holy Quran was a great step towards developing jurisprudence based upon
justice, equity, even handedness, and good conscience. This Ayah also proclaims the principle that the
purpose of promulgating positive laws is to secure peace and welfare of the people. In other words the laws
should not be made and implemented to stifle or suspend the basic rights of people. The laws and customs
ought to work to the advantage and good of the neglected and weak section of society in particular. The spirit
and essence of this Ayah is that social justice has to be promoted and social evils have to be eradicated. This
Ayah though related with Family Laws, yet it enunciates 'a general principle that man-made rules, customs or
laws should be constantly and vigilantly reviewed in the larger interests of justice and fair-play. This principle
finds support also from Ayah No.17 Surah 13, Ar-Raad of Holy Quran which lays down that the rubbish is
destined to perish but that which benefits humanity tarries oh this earth. Another principle enunciated by
Holy Quran may also be referred here in support of the above principle: Amar bil Maaroof wa Nahee anil
Munkar. This maxim has been repeated for not less than fifteen time in Holy Quran. This principle refers to

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the obligation of prescribing what is good and forbidding what is not good. Ayah 111 of Surah 3,
Al-e-Imran, while addressing the Muslims, declares, that Muslims are the best people because they have
been raised for the betterment of humanity and are therefore under a religious obligation to enjoin good and
forbid what is evil and also believe in one God alone.
111. In view of our discussion on the question of enforcement of Hudood, I would go to the extent of holding
in absolutely unambiguous terms that even if the Parliament were to repeal Order No. IV of 1979, Ordinance,
VI of 1979, Ordinance, VII of 1979 and Ordinance, VIII of 1979, even then the Federal Shariat Court will
continue having exclusive jurisdiction, under Article 203-DD, to call for and examine the record of any case
decided by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood.
112. It is therefore abundantly clear that the basic object of creating Federal Shariat Court at the national level
was to provide a vigilant and effective forum to oversee that no legal instrument, made enforceable in the
Federation, remains de hors the Injunctions of Islam. This particular aspect is in fact the practical realization
of the second part of clause (1) of Article. 227 of the Constitution of Pakistan which proclaims that no law
shall be enacted which is repugnant to Injunctions of Islam. The Possibility of a legal provision, being
incorporated in a Federal or a Provincial law, which is contrary to one or more Injunctions of Islam, cannot
be ruled out because to err is human. The powers vesting in the Federal Shariat Court to examine the
provisions of any law in fact provide a speedy and an effective remedy to rectify any error which might creep
in while drafting the legal instrument.
113. The power conferred upon the Federal Shariat Court under Chapter 3A of Part VII of the Constitution is
mandatory. The imperative nature of a decision of the Court is mentioned in Article 203-G of the Constitution
which states that the final decision of the Federal Shariat Court is binding on all the High Courts and on all
courts subordinate thereto. This is at par with the obligatory nature of the decisions of the High Court under
Article 201 as well as the provision contained in Article 189 which makes the decision of the Supreme Court
conclusive and binding on all other courts in Pakistan. This power is therefore more than what is visualized
commonly about mandatory statutes. Without even alluding to the power of contempt stipulated for the three
above mentioned constitutional courts when we examine these constitutional provisions closely we discover
that the intention of legislature was indicated in unequivocal terms by mandating that the order passed by
courts have to be obeyed, implemented and acted upon and further that the jurisdiction mandated for these
three constitutional courts shall have to be honoured and preserved. Clause (2) of Article 5 of the Constitution
states that obedience to the Constitution and law is the inviolable obligation of every citizen wherever he may
be and of every other person for the time being in Pakistan.
ISSUE NO.(j)
CONCLUSIONS
114. The conclusions arrived at in this judgment may be summarized as under:-A. Final or interim orders passed or judgments delivered by trial courts exercising jurisdiction on
criminal side with regard to offences covered by the term Hudood, whether mentioned in
Ordinance VI of 1979; Ordinance VII of 1979; Ordinance VIII of 1979; Presidents Order No.4 of
1979; Act No.XXV of 1997 (Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997); The Anti Terrorism Act,
1997; Act No. XLV of 1860 (The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860) or any other law for the time being
in force, can be challenged by way of appeal or otherwise only before the Federal Shariat Court
and no other court of criminal jurisdiction is competent to entertain and adjudicate upon

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proceedings connected with Hudood offences. Initiation of proceedings to quash First Information
Report or pending criminal proceeding related to Hudood mattes are within the exclusive
jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in view of the mandate of Article 203DD of the Constitution
of Pakistan.
B. Remedy against grant or refusal of bail before or during the trial of any of the above mentioned
offences lies before Federal Shariat Court alone and no other court has jurisdiction to entertain
any proceedings in such matters.
C. Sections 11, 28 and 29 of Act VI of 2006 have been found to be violative of Article 203-DD of the
Constitution of Pakistan. The overriding effect given to Ordinances VII and VIII of 1979 was
doubly fortified as the provisions of Chapter 3A Part VII of the Constitution, which deal with the
powers and jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court, were mandated to have effect notwithstanding
contained in the Constitution.
D. Section 48 of The Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (Act: XXVII of 1997) whereby the
High Court has been empowered to entertain and decide appeals arising out of the orders passed
by the Special Court as well as the power of High Court under section 49 ibid to transfer cases, at
any stave, from one Special Court to another Special Court are inconsistent with the provisions
contained in Chapter 3A of Part VII of the Constitution. The power to entertain appeals against
orders passed or judgments delivered by a Special Court established under section 46 ibid in
matters related to Hudood offences and other proceedings including transfer of cases from such
court vests in the Federal Shariat Court because offences related to Narcotics are covered by the
term Hudood. The word High Court occurring in these sections shall be substituted with the
words Federal Shariat Court.
E. Section 25 of Act VI of 2006 (Woman Protection Act) is declared repugnant to Article 203-DD of
the Constitution because it makes Lian a ground for divorce and thereby causes additional and
uncalled for hardship to the "wife" which is contrary to the principal of Ease (Yusr) enunciated by
Holy Qur'an.
F.

According to the amendment effected in item 2 of Schedule of Act XXVII of 1997 dated
21-8-1997, the Federal Government in exercise of power vesting in it under section 3 of the
Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 authorized the Anti-Terrorism Courts to try some categories of offences
relating to Hudood without providing a rider in section 25 (i): ibid that appeals in cases involving
Hudood offence would lie to the Federal Shariat Court. This amendment in the Schedule without
corresponding change in section 25(i) offends the constitutional provision contained in Article
203-DD which confers exclusive jurisdiction upon this Court in cases relating to the enforcement
of Hudood. "Any case decided by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of
Hudood" is to be heard and decided by the Federal Shariat Court alone. (Article 203-DD). This
position is therefore travesty of legal constraint imposed by the Constitution. No authority is
superior to the Constitution. Constitution has to be upheld at all costs.

G.

The following ten categories of offences are inter-alia covered by the term Hudood as
contemplated by Article 203-DD of the Constitution and hence within the exclusive appellate and
revisional jurisdiction of the Federal Shariat Court:
(i)

Zina = In all its forms including Adultery, Fornication and Rape.

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(ii)

Liwatat= Sexual intercourse against the order of nature;

(iii)

Qazf= Imputation of Zina;

(iv)

Shurb = Alcohlic drinks/Intoxicants/Narcotics etc;

(v)

Sarqa = Theft simplicitor;

(vi)

Haraba = It includes Robbery, Highway Robbery, Dacoity and all other categories of
offences against property as mentioned in Chapter XVII of Pakistan Penal Code.

(vii)

Irtidad= Apostacy..It includes all offences mentioned in Chapter XV of the Pakistan


Penal Code, namely: Of Offences Relating to Religion.

(viii)

Baghee =Treason, waging war against State; All categories of offences mentioned in
Chapter VI of the Pakistan Penal Code.

(ix)

Qisas = Right of retaliation in offences against human body. All these offences are
covered by definition Hadd because the penalty therein has been prescribed by
Nass/Ijma. [Abdul Qadir Audah, has discussed to some extent the scope of Hadd in his
treatise Al-Tashree ul Jinai al Islami, volume 1 at page 119, and

(x)

Human Trafficking.

Appeal or Revision against any order, final or interim, passed by any criminal court under any law with
regard to proceedings connected with or ancillary to or contributing towards commission of any of the abovementioned offences, shall not be entertained by any court other than the Federal Shariat Court. Section 338-F
of the Pakistan Penal Code has, in very clear words, prescribed that in the interpretation and application of its
provisions and in respect of matters ancillary or akin thereto, the Court shall be guided by the Injunctions of
Islam as laid down in Holy Quran and Sunnah. The determination of what is in accordance with Injunctions
of Islam is the sole province of Federal Shariat Court and no other court. Additionally all those matters
relating to the Family life of Muslims, for which the term Hadood Allah has been used in Holy Quran are
covered in the abmit of Hudood and hence within the appellate and revisional jurisdiction of the Federal
Shariat Court.
H. The term "enforcement of Hudood" encompasses all categories of offences and matters mentioned
above. These offences are included in the scope of the term Hudood wherein the punishments
have been prescribed by Holy Quran or Sunnah of the Holy Prophet PBUH and subsequently
through legislative measures. Such punishments can be awarded by trial courts duly constituted
under law. The term tazir when applied to any offence which partakes of the nature of Hudood or
is ancillary or akin to or contributing towards commission of offences covered by the term
Hudood or even where the proof prescribed for establishing Hadd is lacking, would of necessity
fall within the ambit of, the term Hudood and hence within the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat
Court. Consequently all matters within the parameters of Hudood, detailed in the main judgment
including offences in which cognizance has been taken in any form as stipulated in section 190 of
the Code of Criminal Procedure or under any other law dealing with offences relating to 'Hudood',
are, for all purposes, enshrined in the jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court as mandated by the

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Constitution, which jurisdiction includes, appeal, revision, review, grant or refusal of bail, transfer
of cases, calling and examining record of proceedings, and applications to quash proceeding
initiated before or during trial and all matters ancillary to such cases, at any stage of investigation,
enquiry or trial.
I.

It is an established axiom of law that vires of an Act are to be examined in the light of the
limitations imposed by the Constitution. However if the court finds a law or a provision of law to
be inconsistent with constitutional provisions, it is competent to strike it down to the extent of
such inconsistency. The Federal Shariat Court is additionally empowered to examine a law on the
touchstone of Injunctions of Islam. The Court will therefore keep in mind three elements: The
legislative competence; the touchstone of Fundamental Rights and the yardstick of Islamic
Injunctions. Such an exercise is resorted to not because Judiciary is superior but on account of the
fact that:-(a) Dignity of law and legal principles have to be maintained;
(b) Constitution has to be upheld and enforced;
(c) Above all the people of Pakistan have to be enabled to live upto the permanent
values and guiding principles enunciated by Islam; and
(d) Members of Superior Judiciary are under oath to do all these things.
J. CERTAIN LEGAL PRESUMPTIONS

115. In this Judgment the following propositions have been presumed. These assumptions are based upon
various Injunctions of Islam, the constitutional provisions and the Judge made law:(i)

The sole repository of the authority to interpret legal instrument is the Court constituted
under the Constitution;

(ii)

Members of the superior judiciary are under oath to uphold the Constitution and the law;'

(iii)

The Preamble, Articles 2A and 31, Chapter 3A of Part VII and Part IX of the Constitution
make it incumbent upon the State to create conditions which may enable the Muslim of
Pakistan, individually and collectively, to order their lives in accordance with fundamental
principles and basic concept of Islam and to provide facilities whereby they may be enabled
to understand the meaning of life according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah;

(iv)

That Holy Quran prohibits very strictly any extra-marital activity between man and woman
and is consequently full of praise for those who shun illicit activity, i.e. those who guard
their chastity and private parts. Reference Ayat 35 Sura 33, Al-( Ahzab and Ayat 29 Sura 70,
Al-Ma'arij.

(v)

Human dignity, honour and human life has to be preserved. Laws which protect property of
persons have also to be upheld.

(vi)

Legal provisions are enacted to establish peace, order and balance in the society both at

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domestic level and among nations at International level. Reference Ayaat 1 to 6 Sura 83,
Al-Taffit; Ayat 38 Sura 2, Al-Baqara; Ayat 55 Sura 24, Al-Noor.
(vii)

Wisdom and saner counsel wherever recorded, according to the well known tradition of the
Holy Prophet PBUH, is the lost treasure of believers and they are exhorted to acquire it as
and when available. In this view of the matter all the legal principles relating to the domain of
interpretation of legal instruments, or reflecting permanent values, from. any jurisdiction, if
not opposed to the letter and spirit of Holy Quran and Sunnah, will be considered part of
principles of Islamic Jurisprudence.

(viii)

The Court has to be extremely vigilant on the issue of implementation of the Injunctions of
Islam because a stern warning has been given to those who cover up the Divine
Commandments. Reference Ayah 159, Surah 2, Al-Baqarah:

"Those who conceal anything of the clear teachings and true guidance which We have sent down
even though We have made them clear in Our Book, Allah curses such people and so do all the
cursers."
116. It would be pertinent to mention that while writing this judgment in exercise of jurisdiction
vesting in this Court under Article 203D of the Constitution, guidance has been sought inter-alia, from
the above mentioned principles.
(ISSUE No. (k))
D E C L A R AT I O N
117. In view of the reasons recorded in this judgment under different issues it is hereby declared:
i.

That all those offences whose punishments are either prescribed or left undermined, relating
to acts forbidden or disapproved by Holy Quran, Sunnah, including all such acts which are
akin, auxiliary, analogous, or supplementary to or germane with Hudood offences as well as
preparation or abetment or attempt to commit such an offence and as such made culpable by
legislative instruments would without fail be covered by the meaning and scope of the term
Hudood.

ii.

The extent of jurisdiction of Federal Shariat Court in matters relating to Hudood under
Article 203DD is exclusive and pervades the entire spectrum of orders passed or decisions
given by any criminal court under any law relating to the enforcement of Hudood and no
other Court is empowered to entertain appeal, revision or reference in such cases. No
legislative instrument can control, regulate or amend this jurisdiction which was mandated
in Chapter 3A of Part VII of the Constitution of Pakistan.

iii.

An order granting or refusing bail before conclusion of trial in all categories of offences
within the ambit of Hudood is covered by the word proceedings, as used in Article 203DD,
and hence within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Shasriat Court and can be
impugned only in this Court.

iv.

The following ten offence are covered by the terms Hudood for the purpose of Article

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203DD of the Constitution:


(1) Zina = Adultery, Fornication and Rape.
(2) Liwatat= Sexual intercourse against the order of nature;
(3) Qazf= Imputation of Zina;
(4) Shurb = Alcohlic drinks/Intoxicants/Narcotics etc;
(5) Sarqa = Theft simplicitor;
(6) Haraba = Robbery, Highway Robbery, Dacoity. All categories of offences against property as
mentioned in Chapter XVII of Pakistan Penal Code.
(7) Irtdad= Apostacy;
(8) Baghy =Treason, waging war against State; All categories of offences mentioned in Chapter VI of the
Pakistan Penal Code and
(9) Qisas = Right of retaliation in offences against human body. All these offences are covered by
definition Hadd because penalty therein has been prescribed by Nass/Ijma. Abdul Qadir Audah, has
discussed to some extent the scope of Hadd in his treatise Tashree ul Janai al Islam, volume 1 at page
119.
(10)

Human Trafficking.

The declaration in the above four items shall take effect immediately because all the learned counsel
representing the respondents, the jurisconsult as well the amicus curiae have, as mentioned in paragraph 17 of
this judgment agreed on the four issues which are reflected in the above declaration. These conclusions
having been consented to by the parties need nothing more to be done.
v.

That sections 11 and 28 of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 (Act
VI of 2006) are hereby declared violative of Article 203DD of the Constitution because these
provisions annul the overriding effect of Hudood Ordinances VII and VIII of 1979;

vi.

That the portions of sections 48 and 49 of The Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 (Act
XXV of 1997) whereby the High Court has been empowered to:
(a) entertain appeals against the order of a Special Court consisting of a Sessions Judge or an
Additional Sessions Judge and
(b) transfer within its territorial jurisdiction any case from one Special Court to another Special
Court at any stage of the proceedings, are violative of the provisions contained in Chapter 3A
of Part VII of the Constitution because the offences envisaged by Act XV of 1997 are covered
by the term Hudood. Both the, sections are consequently declared violative of Article 203DD
of the Constitution. The portion which contains the words High Court should be deemed to be
substituted by the words Federal Shariat Court in both the above mentioned sections.

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vii.

Section 25 of the Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 (Act VI of 2006)
is declared violative of Article 203-DD of the Constitution as it omits subsections (3) and (4) of
section 14 of The Offence of Qazf (Enforcement of Hadd) Ordinance, 1979 with the result that it
has adversely effected the operation of Injunctions of Islam relating to Lian. Consequently section
29 of Act VI of 2006 is also declared violative of Article 203DD as it adds clause (vii a) Lian in
section 2 of the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939. This addition in the latter Act also
becomes invalid on account of repugnancy with the Injunctions of Islam relating to Lian.

viii.

Section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (Act No.XXVII of 1997) does not make provision for
filing an appeal before the Federal Shariat Court in cases where the Anti-Terrorism court decides a
case relating to some of the Hudood offence included in the Schedule as from 21-8-1997. This
omission is violative of Article 203-DD. The Federal Government should rectify this error by the
target date fixed by this Court otherwise the following rider shall be read at the end of clause (i) of
section 25 of Act XXVII of 1997 after omitting the full t stops.

"but where a private complaint or a First Information Report or information, as stipulated in section 190
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, relating to an offence falling within the purview of above mentioned
ten categories of Hudood Offences, is decided by any court exercising criminal jurisdiction under any law
of the land, the appeal therefrom shall lie to the Federal Shariat Court."
ix. The declaration relating to Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006 (Act VI of
2006), The Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997 mentioned at serial No. vi as well as Anti-Terrorism
Act, 1997 shall take effect as from 22nd June, 2011 by which date necessary steps be taken by the Federal
Government to amend the impugned laws in conformity with this declaration whereafter the impugned
provision shall cease to be effective and this judgment of the Federal Shariat Court will be operative as on
22-6-2011. The other items of the Declaration become operative forthwith.
118. The office is hereby directed to send copies of this judgment to the Federal Government as well as four
Provincial High Courts and the Islamabad High Court for information, necessary action and compliance.
S U P P L I C AT I O N
"(Believers! Pray thus to your Lord): "Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or commit
mistakes. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden such as You laid on those gone before us. Our Lord!
Lay not on us burdens which we do not have the power to bear. And overlook our faults, and
forgive us, and have mercy upon us. You are our Guardian; so grant us victory against the
unbelieving folk. "(2:286)
(Sd.)
SYED AFZAL HAIDER, J
(Sd.)
AGHA RAFIQ AHMED KHAN, C.J.
(Sd.)
SHAHZADO SHAIKH, J

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Order accordingl

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